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THE 

STORY OF "E" COMPANY 

\^- v^,.101st ENGINEERS 
^ 26th DIVISION 




A Record of their service 

fromMay-I917toApril-1919 

compiled by members of 

the Company 



Privately Printed 
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 

1919 



Copyrighted 

1919 

by Veterans of 

"E" Company, 101?!^ Engineers 

26!'.i Division 







Designed and printed by direction of 

Walton Advertising i^ Printing Co. 

Boston, Mass. 



©CI.A.IGUH 



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PAGE 
11 



IHK AlAkLlI M)L IH I'RU.M M'.klAiN 

CONTENTS 

Chapter I 

First organization of Company. Forethought and principles of Captain 
Brush. Evening hikes. First work at Wentvvorth Institute. Changed 
into Engineers. Called out. Joining of men from Maine, Rhode Island, 
and Devens. Reception. Work accomplished to time of leaving. 

Chapter II 17 

Including trip across. Southampton. Impressions. Across Channel to 
Le Havre, — Rolampont. 

Chapter III 23 

First impressions of French village. Reception by people. Work neces- 
sary in Company area. Cleaning up town. Billets, rations, drills. 
Progress of all activities. First barrack-building detail. More complete 
organizing of Company. First detail of size to leave town. Beauchemin. 
Second to Langres. Thanksgiving Day. Third detail leaves for Leffonds. 
Detail to Nevers and Saint-Nazaire. Return to Rolampont for Christ- 
mas, 1917. 

Chapter IV 29 

Christmas Day. Trip through Gudmont to Doulaincourt. Detail to 
Roches. Work in Doulaincourt. Death of Chauncey D. Bryant. Weather, 
sickness. Training-schools. Move to Liffol-le-Grand, to Freville. Prepa- 
rations at Freville. Trip to Front. 

Chapter V 34 

Soissons, Cuffies. Camp at Sorny. Dugouts. Work about camp and 
large details. Loss of Captain Brush. Company activities. Sports. 
Leaving Sorny, March 21. Night in Soissons. Ride from Amblenay- 
Fontenoy to Brienne-le-Chateau. Hike, success of, to Colombey-les- 
Deux-Eglises. Arrival in " Rest Camp " at Humberville. 

[5] 



PAGE 

Chapter VI 41 

Move to Vignot and Gironvllle. Work in camp. Dugouts. First front- 
line work at Apremont. Death of E. R. Wilson, Company "C." Work on 
wire. Activity of front. First "stand-to." Promotions. Detail to 
Boncourt. Quick erection of artillery barracks. Move to Menil-la-Tour. 

Chapter VII 46 

Company split. Half detailed to Leonval, half to Menil-la-Tour. Nature 
and progress of all work. Captain Langley joins Company. Activities, 
social, at Menil-la-Tour. New baseball diamond and games. "E" Com- 
pany's first birthday. Move to Beaumont. 

Chapter VIII 51 

Town of Beaumont. Location and nature of billets. Activities of Com- 
pany and front. Bombardment of June i6th. Casualties resulting. 
Leaving sector. 

Chapter IX 57 

Short time of rest in Choloy. Trip from Pagny to La Ferte-sous-Jouarre. 
(Chateau-Thierry.) Thence to Chamigny and short rest. Woods above 
Montreuil. Work on wire bobbins. Night and day work of reconnais- 
sance parties. Company details in lines. "Standing-to," in support. 
Difficulties of carrying on work. 

Chapter X 61 

Detail under Lieutenant Drown. Detail under Lieutenant Mattson and 
Master Engineer Dorman. Care taken of graves of our dead. Company 
leaves woods. Road repair and burial of dead. Pursuit of Boche. Detail 
under Lieut. Karl Jackson. Arrival at Breteuil Farm. 

Chapter XI 68 

Night work on roads. Breteuil Farm. Beuvardes Woods. Nanteuil-sur- 
Marne. Baths, passes. Chatillon, Nod. Drills. Busy schedule. March 
to front from Tronville. 

Chapter XII. . 75 

Operations in Saint-Mihiel offensive. Saint-Maurice. Saint-Remy Woods. 
Boche positions and dugouts. Work. "Grande Tranchee de Calonne." 
Organization of Infantry on line work. Hike to Faubourg-Pave (suburb 
of Verdun). Short stay. A'love to Champ. 

Chapter XIII 81 

Champ. Dugouts. Road reconstruction. Progress of work. Activity of 
front. Food. General content. Relief of Lieutenant Drown as com- 
mander of Company by Captain Tarbell. Rumors of armistice. March 
to bivouac camp on main road to Verdun — Bois-de-Caures. 

[6] 



PAGE 

Chapter XIV 86 

Work on road. Condition. Captain Mattson relieves Captain Tarbell. 
Shelling of camp. Difficulties of work. Persistent rumors. Nlorn of 
November 11. Realization of finish. Continuation of work. Start of 
hike south. Esnouveaux. 

Ch.'\pter XV 94 

Routine life in Esnouveaux. Thanksgiving Day. Progress of drills. Ex- 
pectation of visit on Christmas Day by President Wilson. Christmas 
Day. Compliment to Division by President. 

Chapter XVI 99 

Home at last. Arrive on Mount Vernon. Enthusiastic welcome. Parting 
with replacements. Banquet at Mechanics Building. Colonel Bunnell 
presented with "grandfather's clock." "Welcome-home" parade. "Finie 
la Guerre." 



[7] 



INTRODUCTION 

THE primary idea in the production of tliis volume was that all 
members of Company "E" might have it at hand as a reference to 
their time spent in the service of the United States Army and for their 
own interest through the future. The story has been written simply, and 
represents not a literary gem in any sense of the term, but a clear and 
accurate statement of where we were and what we did. It has rather been 
left for the reader to judge of the importance of the work done and of the 
manner in which it was carried on. 

It is to be hoped, however, that the book will prove of interest to all 
those interested in us. Practically without exception, all the photographs 
used as illustrations were taken by members of the Company. All sketches 
and drawings also represent the efforts of its members, as well as the com- 
piling of the diary, and the publication. It is in every way a Company 
product and has been made as complete as possible. 

So, to the casual reader, give gracious consideration for the probable 
many jumblings of the English language, and, perhaps, to you, its seem- 
ingly poor conveyance of thought. We have done our best. 



[^] 




llilsT ENGINEERS MARCHING DOWN PARK STREET 
IN YD "WELCOME HOME" PARADE 



THE STORY OF "E" COMPANY 



CHAPTER I 

NATIONAL GUARDSMEN were supposed never to be surprised at 
anything, nor were they of the First Corps Cadets on that eventful 
Sunday afternoon in the spring of 1917 when hurried telephone 
calls succeeded in assembling possibly fifty of its members at the Armory 
on Ferdinand Street (now Arlington Street) and Columbus Avenue. 

On arrival it was soon learned that we were to have explained to us a 
certain proposition — or, better, suggestion — offered by the War Depart- 
ment and presented by Major Mitchell of the Engineer Corps, U.S.A. 

To most of the men assembled the suggestion was more or less new or, 
at least, a resurrected one. 

Perhaps it would be well first to explain the condition, or status, oi 
the Corps, its plans and aspirations relative to the one consuming topic of 
the time, — our part in the World War. 

Doubtless the reader knows considerable concerning the history of the 
First Corps Cadets, but it might be well to repeat briefly two of the im- 
portant features. 

Its positive continuous existence dates back to 1741, even before the 
Revolutionary days; and during its entire life it has served as infantry in 
all periods called upon by the Government and has furnished many officers 
to the Regular Army and National Guard in times both of peace and war. 
The training afforded its members made them excellent material for 
officers, and with this fact in mind, prospective recruits were thoroughly 
examined and looked up before being elected members. 

Therefore, the two important considerations to be thought of in 
connection with its part in the great World War were: first, the prestige 
obtained by long-continued training as infantry; and secondly, the quality 
of its personnel. 

Is it therefore strange that we all had plans for recruiting a regiment 
of infantry, using the original battalion as a skeleton organization — a 
practical and certain proposition — with wonderful possibilities, and when 
completed and equipped to offer its services as a unit to the Government 
for whatever service they should require of it.^ 

So with somewhat sceptical minds we listened for an hour or two, 
without interruption, to Major Mitchell as he unfolded the scheme outlined 
for combining, reorganizing, absorbing, and what-not, various National 

[It] 



Guard units in New England for the purpose of making a war-strength, 
and real, division. 

Coming to the climax of his talk, it developed that the War Depart- 
ment had plenty of infantry arranged for at the time so could not tell 
when our provisional infantry regiment could be used, and, as a way of 
getting across at an early date, we were to be offered the opportunity of 
taking the engineer branch of the service, and if plans matured, comprise 
either the entire regiment of engineers, or at least one battalion, required 
for a division. 

And how could it be that the War Department could think of taking a 
perfectly good (to our minds, at least) infantry organization, with years 
and years of credentials, and changing them over to engineers — pick-and- 
shovel men, laborers as well as soldiers.^ What did we know about engineer- 
ing in peace times — to say nothing of war times .^ Of late, we had heard that 
engineers on the Western Front were doing wonderfully technical work and 
were very essential and necessary to the fighters; but we knew little, we 
thought, of the technical part of the game, and we furthermore felt that 
we could never successfully wield a pick and shovel. Pictures of British 
Royal Engineers were recalled, working on roads, cleaning away debris, 
and like things, which at that time seemed so useless and unromantic in 
the business of war! At the conclusion of the conference, a show of hands 
was asked for, on the number who thought it advisable to make the change 
from infantry to engineers, and of the total men present, probably not 
over fifty, the majority voted in favor of making the change. To the 
writer's mind, considerable credit is due these men, because it was their 
sense of patriotic duty alone that influenced them, although it meant much 
loss to them in the way of personal advancement. 

Then came the work of recruiting the proper material for an engineer 
regiment. It would have been comparatively easy to recruit the number 
needed, but a special number of the various kinds of tradesmen were 
required. A great deal of time and effort was put into this matter, with 
fine results, as the present personnel of the regiment shows. Talks were 
made at several large shops and factories in the surrounding towns by mem- 
bers of the Corps, and also more or less newspaper advertising was done. 

At first, we were aiming for four one-hundred-and-fifty-men companies 
and then the new Tables of Organization required six one-hundred-and- 
fifty-men companies for an engineer regiment, and finally, to conform to 
the French and British organization, we were obliged to recruit two bat- 
talions of three two-hundred-and-fifty-men companies each. 

The recruits came fast, and it was decided to drill them three nights 
each week, but no uniforms were available, so drills were carried on in 
civilian clothes, which, while quite trying and discouraging, and incident- 

[12] 



ally expensive, to the recruit, and more or less embarrassing to the men in 
the old organization, as we were constantly confronted with the argument 
that all other National Guard units around were supplying uniforms to their 
new men, presented a very interesting spectacle and moreov^er proved the 
mettle of the men who had voluntarily enlisted for whatever was to come. 

As soon as the exact number of companies required became known, the 
recruits were assigned to the four old companies, namely, "A," "B," "C," 
and "D," the extra men being put into two provisional companies, "E" 
and "F." It was a common thing for many of the so-called "early enlistcrs" 
to be in Company "B," for instance, one night and to hear his name called 
in Company "F" the following drill-night. All this seemed unnecessary 
to the recruit at this time, but he did not realize what a task and what a 
lot of paper work was required for those endeavoring to do the administra- 
tive part of the work. 

Finally, on May 28, 1917, the two "war-baby" companies, "E" and 
"F," were born, having for a skeleton a few of the Old Corps non-coms, 
who were transferred from other companies. Company "E" was extremely 
fortunate to have assigned to it, as captain, one of the best officers of the 
former organization, Capt. Edwin M. Brush. 

He immediately became the father, adviser, and guardian of every 
man in the Company, and a policy of friendliness, comradeship, and com- 
pany spirit was founded by him. Instead of the recruit being frightened or 
timid in the presence of the officer and proverbial "hard-boiled sergeants," 
they were made to know that their troubles, questions, or what-not would 
be considered thoroughly by both non-coms and officers. Captain Brush's 
policy was to make the Company one big family about to start on a very 
serious mission, a family that would do its work well, willingly, and sin- 
cerely; with team play, energy, and precision. 

Mind you, this policy did not leave out the factor of soldier!}- dis- 
cipline, but it was a kind of policy that should bring good results and not 
just plain servitude. To-day, it is the common feeling of the men who have 
been through the game with Company "E," that the early training under 
Captain "Eddie" was what made the Company second to none in any 
respect in the regiment. Notice, we do not say that Company "E" is better 
than the other companies in the regiment, but we do feel that we have a 
right to hold ourselves on a par with them. 

Great praise to our first love — Capt. Edwin AI. Brush. 

Then comes our training period at Wentworth Institute, a period all 
will well remember. 

Prior to July 25, 1917, most of the training at the Institute was done 
evenings, except by those who had given up civilian labors and who could 
devote their entire time to the game; and after that date, which was the 

[13] 




date the regiment was called out by 
President Wilson, the entire time 
both during the day and evening was 
divided between class work at the 
Institute and drill in the Fenway, 
along with the evening hikes under 
the leadership of "Old P. B." other- 
wise known as Maj. (now Lieut.- 
Col.) Porter B. Chase. 

Here again the matter of uni- 
forms came up, and the men proved 
that they enlisted to f^ght the Hun 
regardless of whether it was in a sky- 
blue-pink civilian suit or khaki. 
The benefit derived unconsciously 
from this state of affairs was psy- 
chological, and the lesson of disre- 
garding self-pride while there was 
serious work to do was learned. 

Work at Wentworth comprised 
all the practical engineering lines, 
such as drafting, carpentry, concrete- ^ 
mixing, masonry, rigging, black- 
smithing, map-sketching, machine- 
shop work, gasolene engines, steam 
A other soeciai lines, such as trench-digging, railroad 
engines, mining, -f °\^^^ /P^^^'^, railroad work at Westboro on the 
repair, etc. Special details we e Elevated. 

Boston & Albany R-R- and ^^-^^^l^^^^^'^^ ,,^, benefit of all this work. 
Naturally, there was a van p mon^oi ^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^ ^^ 

but now as we 1°°^^/^^.^ "^ ^^'^^ ,heir work in France, and furthermore, 
^::f ^:::t"r:rlXrpH.ical shape to withstand the hard- 

ships before us^ Wentwortl, Institute, each man received a 

,J1 :tat.:;:ta;t"h:a sa.is,actori„ done the worh aiiotted to h..„ 

^'-\„ a.t.si. ..ciae„t .tr\rr-f r»w:rr"xvr= 

and may be one of those ''«'=/ 3''7„' ,^, s„est engineer regiment in 
r„cTaTd:afm°o":ri:^gr::"orh:rt;:eirbest tr^^s i„ France, onr 

*'V„niTe1.tc.d:^ '■ A «:.r;rate standing with a certain sergeant, 

[14] 



t\pr, EDWIN M. BRUSH 

engines, mining, and other special 




CAMP WEN I Uwl; 1 II 




MESS TIME AT WEXTVVORTH 



both members of the engineer regi- 
ment of the Rainbow Division, were 
watching with open mouths the act 
of erecting barracks while you wait, 
which act was performed several 
times during the first winter months 
of our stay in France, and the private 
was heard to say, "Gosh, them fellers 
certainly got that stuff down to a 
science." "Why shouldn't they?" 
replied the sergeant. "Every one 
of them guys had to graduate from 
Wentworth Institute before they 
could enlist in that regiment." 

So with our work of training 
both mind and muscle, the time soon 
came for equipment and uniforms 
to arrive and the numberless records 
regarding each man to be taken; 
examinations for all kinds of disease, 
even insanity, inoculation against 

small-pox and typhoid fever, and thousands of little details too numerous 
to mention, which all meant millions and millions of questions asked 
daily of the Captain and the First Sergeant's personnel. Passes were 
granted over and over again to the same men to visit the same poor old 
sick grandmother, and the old dentist gag was worked to a frazzle; but 
all these things tended to get us better acquainted and fitted for the 
task before us. 

Along in September, 1917, we had several false alarms about leaving, 
and many a boy in the Company kissed his girl or mother for the last time 
every morning for two weeks. 

Then very near to the date of leaving we were obliged to transfer 
several men to the replacement depot for one cause or another, and we got 
their places filled by some men who had just arrived at Camp Devens. 

So when the word finally came at 1 1.30 a.m. one morning that we were 
to entrain that night for New York, there was great excitement in the 
Armory. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, sweethearts, soldiers, 
trucks, barrack-bags, trunks, boxes, etc., were all jumbled together on the 
Armory floor, and finally a small dance started, until one company at a 
time was marched out of the Armory for the last time to Wentworth, which 
was the assembly point. 

To give some idea of the speed with which paper work was accom- 

[15] 



plished, Company "E" transferred four men at 9.30 p.m. on the night we 
left, or two and one-half hours before our departure for France. They did 
not know until that late hour whether or not they would go with us. 

So finally Company "E" was assembled at Wentworth and marched 
tjuielly down to a point near the Armory and then countermarched to the 
Huntington Avenue yards and entrained around midnight, September 
24, 1917, leaving Boston to our loved ones for a trifle over eighteen 
months. 




[16] 




CHAPTER II 



A SLEEPLESS night was passed aboard the day coaches allotted us, 
and at mid-day we pulled into Harlem Freight- Yards and boarded 
an old side-wheeler for our trip down the East River. Our way 
was made slowly — even our barrack-bags and baggage towed down-stream 
by a tug passing us — and we rounded Manhattan late in the afternoon, 
drawing up at the Cunard Docks opposite Hoboken. 

Our transport, the Andania, lay at her berth awaiting us, and we 
were immediately marched aboard and assigned quarters, the larger 
part of "E" Company in one of the lowest decks, J section, aft. A very 
poor mess was served, giving us our first taste of what we might expect for 
the trip, and the impression was none too good. Partial satisfaction was 
had, however, in being given the opportunity to file telegrams to our 
folks and get mail away (released when we reached Liverpool) before we 
sailed. No one was allowed ofi^ the boat. "E" Company furnished the 
first guard placed aboard, which numbered thirty posts, covering all 
sections of the boat. 

All decks were cleared preparatory to sailing early in the morning, and 
we left our docks at exactly seven o'clock and by ten were making good 
headway. All would have liked well to watch old New York disappear, 
but were ordered below until we were far beyond sight of land. The crew 
informed us we were headed for Halifax, N.S., there to join in the next 
convoy to sail, but had no information as to how many warships, cruisers, 
destroyers, etc., were to accompany us, nor replies to the other thousand- 
and-one questions we asked of them. We had our first taste of "nobody 
knowing nothing." 

Details were in order the next day in preparation for an inspection of 
the ship by the Colonel. The tables in the mess-hall were polished, the 
floor scrubbed, and our quarters thoroughly cleaned with antiseptic. Bunks 

[17] 



were arranged in an orderly manner, and rifles given careful attention. 
This routine was the daily task of early morning. Life-belts and places at 
the rafts and life-boats were assigned. Submarine watches were set to guard 
against surprise at all times, being stationed on both sides of the boat in 
two-men posts, one with glasses, the other with rifle, alternating every 
half-hour. Their orders were to report even the smallest, most insignificant 
object which might be observed and to open fire upon it. We were told 
that even if a direct hit were not made, the splashing of water upon the 
glass of the periscope of a submarine by a bullet was sufficient to blind it. 
It was everybody's duty to prevent the showing of lights, and a severe 
penalty was in store for the man who was detected lighting a match or 
smoking on deck after dark. 

Our course ran southeast from the harbor of New York, then, sure 
enough, it shifted to almost true north, so we knew it must be Halifa.x, and 
the next day, about noon, land was sighted off our port. As we drew nearer, 
the country showed itself low and rolling, and War was first evidenced to 
us by large guns mounted on the rocky cliflFs at the entrance to Halifax 
Bay. Also, just inside a chain of rafts forming a blockade, we passed many 
warships which signalled back and forth with light flashes through the 
haze which enveloped the harbor. Ahead, and soon passed, a liner in a 
weird creation of camouflage presented a very strange and novel ap- 
pearance as we approached it. While we were still at a distance, most of us 
never having seen a ship so dressed, many guesses were called forth as to 
what it was. Other transports loaded with troops lay near by, and soon 
we, too, were riding at anchor. Our coaling started immediately, and, as 
the convoy could not leave until our bunkers were full, work was pushed 
steadily through the night. When this was completed, in the afternoon of 
the next day, we left Halifax, the convoy steaming down river and out into 
the open water in a long line. Our band, forward in the boat, played all 
the way out, and many of the small boats dipped their flags in salute as we 
passed. After dusk, the vessels, showing not a single light, their great 
black hulks easily traced by the light of a nearly-full moon, presented a 
truly impressive sight as they gradually manoeuvred into sailing formation, 
three abreast, the Winifredian, Colum Belle, and Celtic leading, followed 
respectively by the Saxonia, Andania, and Lapland. These were, in turn, 
followed by the Demodious, Brambaleaf, and Grampian, the Cedric 
following in the rear, and the convoy so continued through practically the 
whole course, the Andania always in the centre of the group. 

Our day's work was now well organized. Each morning, after prepara- 
tion for inspection, the manual of arms was given the "rookies," and a 
period at 3.00 in the afternoon was given to school, held by the Captain, 
on the various ethics of "soldiering." 

[18] 




ON BOARD Till 



\\h \\1 \, IIAI.IIAX HARBOR 




CLEANING LT, ■ AT ^OUTUAMrXOX 



We were not without entertain- 
ment, as "E" Company furnished a 
very good show in the mess-hall, its 
first attempt; and on the evening of 
the 3d of October, a very good con- 
cert, given by the men of the regi- 
ment, passengers, and ship's crew, 
was held in the main dining-saloon, 
a collection being taken up for the 
benefit of the Seamen's Institute of 
Liverpool. 

The Chaplain held services each 
Sunday, aboard, which were well 
attended. His subjects, fitly chosen, 
were well covered, and his talks were 
very interesting. 

We had found it possible to 
have cablegrams announcing our 
safe arrival sent home through the 
Cunard Company immediately upon 
docking at Liverpool, and many 

helped keep the transatlantic cables busy by despatching messages of 
good cheer. 

Just before our arrival in Liverpool, we all noticed the wonderful 
phosphorescent effect on the water where the surface was at all broken, — 
a truly dazzling sight, — especially at the stern of the ship, where the water 
had been churned by the propellers. 

Will any one forget the rattle and clang of the pots, pans, kettles, and 
other kitchen-ware on the rockiest of all the rocky nights aboard, and just 
what he thought had happened when he heard the racket.'' A few had the 
good fortune to have a clear gangway to the top deck, but most of us just 
shivered, and waited for the next one. 

On Sunday morning, the 9th, the escort of destroyers was picked 
up and took places on all sides of the convoy. They were small boats, 
some American and some British, a few of them being camouflaged, very 
long and of a speedy type, their four funnels bespeaking powerful 
driving-engines. 

The morning of the loth, our baggage all above decks, we rolled our 
packs preparatory to leaving the ship, word being passed that we would 
dock some time during the day. Upon coming on deck, land could be plainly 
seen and did look good to us. The lower isle, as we passed, seemed a very 
pretty and peaceful country, and the approach to Liverpool, up the Mersey, 

[19] 



with the white beaches, pretty residences, and the high steel Bristol Tower, 
the first and tallest structure to be seen on entering the harbor, made a 
lasting impression. When at last we docked and the boat lay at rest, we 
had true reason to be glad of our safe arrival, feeling that now we had at 
least an even chance with "Fritz." Our joy upon our safe arrival was 
accentuated by the presence of a beautiful rainbow, our omen of good luck. 
We disembarked at 12.45 in the early morning, boarded the train at the 
docks, each man furnishing transportation for one barrack-bag from the 
boat to the train. Each squad was given a compartment, and vain at- 
tempts were made to get some sleep. 

The early daylight revealed a beautiful country through which we 
travelled. Most charming scenes unfolded themselves to our view as though 
painted on a swiftly moving screen: meadows dotted with great haystacks, 
cows standing in streams, old-fashioned high-gabled houses with thatched 
roofs and pretty gardens, and here and there, beautiful estates, well laid out, 
their hedgerows and lawns kept in the best of condition. 

Southampton proved to be our destination, and we detrained in the 
middle of the forenoon at the water front, marching from the docks to the 
Rest (?) Camp at the Common, about two miles distant, and gained our 
first impression of one of England's large cities. The march was made 
detouring the business centre of the city, through the more residential 
section, where, true to old English style as we had studied it at home, 
trim hedges and red brick houses prevailed. Our camp we found to be a 
small settlement of white conical tents, one of which was allotted to each 
ten men. Australians, "Tommies," and our own Marines were also 
occupants of the camp at the time. The load Infantry Regiment of our 
own division was assigned tents near us. Our mess-hall was a long wooden 
building, and a couple of men from each table procured and served our 
mess. Roll-calls were attended each day at 3.00 in the afternoon, after 
which time we were free to see the city. 

That Southampton was very interesting was the unanimous opinion 
of all after we had seen the Bargate in the old wall of the city bridging the 
main street, the beautiful Cathedral, the odd little tramcars by which 
means one could ride the full length of the town for fourpence, and which 
were operated entirely by young women. The surrounding countryside, 
too, had its attractions in the cute little thatch-roofed cottages bordering 
the roadside, all with a near-by flower-garden. Rolling country, only 
partly wooded, was ideal for the use to which it had been largely adapted, — 
dairy-farming, — and although the women had been called upon for a large 
share of the work, one would never have noticed the absence of men by 
the way in which the many acres were kept. Here, first of all, we noticed 
the prevalence of mourning worn by about all the civilian population, in 

[20] 



i 



respect to, and in memory of, their fallen loved ones. Death, the terrible 
price of war, was everywhere evident. 

Good food was available, the rationing of the people being felt to no 
considerable degree except in sugar and bread. Fine meals of e.xcellent 
ham and eggs, steaks with "chips" (as you would order fried potatoes), 
bread in limited quantity, and real "honest-to-goodness" tea fell to the lot 
of the rich. Also the Y. M. C. A. down town served good meals for very 
reasonable prices. For amusement there were the "movies," where 
smoking was permitted, and the higher-priced seats were in the rear and in 
the balcony. The pier dance-hall attracted many, but was only truly 
enjoyed by those who could easily master the intricacies of the English 
schottische and lancers. 

Our stay in Southampton was thus thoroughly enjoyed until the 
morning of the i8th, when we fell in, were issued rations of hardtack and 
"willy," marched to the docks and aboard an old-fashioned French side- 
wheeler La Marguerite, a dingy, dirty-looking, ready-to-fall-to-pieces old 
tub. Into her every nook and corner except the wheel-house, engine-room, 
and coal-bin we jammed, about the closest quarters the regiment ever was 
in, either before or since. Only one thing was in favor of that boat, she did 
hustle us across the Channel into Le Havre, and we docked early the 
following morning. In the early afternoon, leaving Southampton, we saw, 
many of us for the first time, the damage done by torpedoes to ships of 
various sizes, then dry-docked for repairs. Another feature of the trip was 
a hydroplane which "stunted" above the Channel at a considerable 
distance. 

At Le Havre we had our first glimpse of German prisoners who had 
been brought in that morning for labor at the docks, handling freight, 
and we labelled them a stupid-looking lot. Never a smile crossed their 
faces, and their seeming despondency was marked. 

We were formed by companies in a near-by freight-yard and com- 
menced our hike around the shore and up a steep hill to our camp, which 
was situated high above the city on a plateau overlooking the mouth of the 
Seine River and the ocean. This camp was a big improvement over the 
one in Southampton, being very dry and clean, but our quarters were in 
the same kind of tents, and here we were assigned twelve men to a tent. 
A prison pen containing many German convalescent prisoners was in near 
proximity to our camp, and a stolen peek through the fence revealed a 
neatly kept area, the men living in large tents with comfortable-looking 
bunks installed. Benches lined the paths, and the whole atmosphere of the 
place was one of comfort and good treatment — a little too good for them, 
we thought, judging by our experience of the past three weeks. Enter- 
tainment for those in camp was provided that evening by the British 

[21] 



Y. M. C. A. authorities in tlie hut at the grounds, consisting of good sing- 
ing and vioHn-playing, and there we were first taught, by the Tommies 
present, the strains of "I Want To Go Home," a short refrain soon known 
well by all and at that time being widely sung by the British soldiers. 

The one night at Le Havre proved to be our last, as we entrained 
at midnight of the next for "Somewhere in France." Our quarters aboard 
the French train were similar to those crossing England except that these 
cars were wider and we had more space. Our train pulled out about five 
in the morning, and no one had any idea where we were headed for. The 
country we travelled through was very picturesque, as was England, though 
the farmhouses built of originally nearly-white stone and roofed with heavy 
red tile made a striking contrast to the thatched English cottages we had 
seen. The most noticeable difference, by far, was in the seeming uncleanli- 
ness and ill-kept appearance of the majority of the French homes. 

We passed the Versailles railroad station in mid-afternoon, and at a 
stop soon after we managed to get a little hardtack for a ration, the Colonel 
having succeeded in inducing the Frenchman at the throttle of the engine 
to stop the train long enough to have it issued from a box car. All that 
night and the next day we were rolling across France, wondering always, 
how much farther.' Finally, we were sidetracked and detrained at what we 
thought was a small place, but was really a town of fair size, — Rolampont, 
• — about twenty-five kilometres (for we were now in France and would no 
longer think in miles) south of Chaumont. 




[22] 



I'dl <iVII'n\ I 




BRIDGE OVER THE MARNE IN ROLAMPONT 



CHAPTER III 

A FTER detraining at Rolampont, the Company marched into, and 
/_\ halted in, the centre of the quaint old village. To be housed in a 
■A^ ^~ large military camp for immediate instruction and preparation for 
the front had been the expectation of the majority, so we were somewhat 
surprised when billeted in the homes and barns of the civilians, barns being 
by far the more usual allotment. The men invariably shared the same roof 
with all the usual inhabitants of such places, and some of the barnyard fowl 
from the lower floor occasionally found time to visit their neighbors' living- 
quarters in tlie haymows. It was very fortunate that most of the "suites" 
had a ladder or small stairway leading from the ground floor to the " chambre 
de luxe" overhead, for, while the fowl could make their way upstairs, the 
cows and pigs must of necessity remain below. 

After getting established in the new homes, the boys lost no time 
taking in the various sights. It was with strange feelings that they first 
walked the streets of the old French village. Everything about the place 
bespoke age, and the solid stone buildings represented the handiwork of 
many previous generations. One of the most interesting spectacles was to 
watch the French women washing in the old open wash-houses, and before 

[23] 



many days O. D. uniforms were well mingled with the black dresses of the 
village women and the boys soon learned the French method of open-air 
washing. However, having it done soon proved far more satisfactory 
than doing it, and in a short while many of the village women were doing 
a thriving business washing clothes for the Y. D.'s. 

The next thing of interest was a visit to the French stores. Although 
almost all were somewhat short of funds by this time, there was still 
enough left to severely drain the supply of everything pleasing to the then 
ravenous appetites. 

After living in town several days we felt quite at home, and the towns- 
folk accorded all the best of treatment. In most homes a genie was con- 
sidered as one of the family, and some were already beginning to talk 
French quite fluently. By the use of much gesticulating, with an oc- 
casional word of French, every one managed to make himself understood, 
seldom failing to obtain whatever he wished. 

One of the first "jobs" tackled was that of a cleaning-up nature, and 
it is not a very easy matter to remove accumulations of dirt, rubbish, and 
mud from a whole village that has been without its men-folk for three 
years. Consequently there was plenty of work to be done in order to bring 
the town up to the American standard of sanitation. Roads were repaired, 
barn refuse removed from the streets, and many other impiovements 
were made. A small building was made into a good cook-shack, and 
a bath-house was constructed. It was here that we had our first bath 
since leaving Southampton, and the institution of our bath proved a 
great success. 

At first the rations were light, being the English travel-rations, which 
usually consisted of canned corned beef, potatoes, hardtack, cheese, and 
marmalades. The cheese and marmalades were very good, but the hard- 
tack was similar to our American dogbread and so hard that it could not 
be eaten without soaking in coffee. After a while the Company was 
served good American army food in larger quantities. Huge appetites 
made fairly good meals seem exceedingly small, and the impression pre- 
vailed that we were being starved to death. 

After completing the work around town we started on infantry 
drill. Drilling morning and afternoon each day soon whipped the Com- 
pany back into the military shape that was shown before leaving the 
States. To a small number of new men, from Camp Devens, who had 
joined the Company a few days before sailing, infantry drill was entirely 
new. However, after individual instruction they were soon brought into 
line with the rest of the Company. Occasional hikes were taken to harden 
the feet and make every one the more fit for the strenuous work which was 
to come later on. The progress of the Company both in drills and en- 

[24] 



gineeriiig work was very rapid, and great efforts were made by every one 
towards making the Company the best in the regiment. 

Our first work of a more strictly engineering character, that of 
building barracks, was soon assigned to us. A detail was started on the 
work of constructing foundations and erecting a storehouse, details from 
other companies being also started on work of the same kind. "E" Com- 
pany's first barrack was completely erected by the evening of the second 
day and ahead of the other companies by several hours. The victory 
was fittingly celebrated by wild cheering as a small American flag was 
raised to the ridge of the newly erected building. The Captain was highly 
pleased with "E" Company's first competitive piece of work and com- 
plimented the men on their success. 




OUR FIRST JOB, BUILDING BARRACKS 



Beauchemin Detail 



On November 2 1st the first detail of size left Rolampont under 
Lieutenant Bateman to construct foundations and erect barracks at 
Beauchemin, a small village 6.7 kilometres from Rolampont. It was a 
small place of a few hundred population, entirely surrounded by fertile 
and well-cultivated fields, which, when viewed from the neighboring hills, 
made a very pleasing landscape. Before the first barrack was completed 
the detail travelled to and from the work by trucks, but on December 
6th they packed bag and baggage and moved to Beauchemin to live. The 
first day was spent in getting the new quarters in ship-shape order and 
making the new homes as comfortable as possible. The detail remained 
at Beauchemin until December 14th and during the stay at this place com- 
pleted thirteen foundations and barracks. It was also necessary to con- 
struct quite an elaborate drainage system in which was involved the di- 
version of a stream which flowed through the field on which the barracks 
were to be built. On the loth of December, the 117th Engineers, 4.26. 
Division, arrived at Beauchemin. They were billeted in town and were 
to occupy the barracks as soon as we completed them. Faverolles was 

[25] 



the next town invaded by our detail for the same purpose, and a very 
pretty little town it was, surrounded on four sides by great rolling hills. 
While in this town seven foundations were constructed and four barracks 
completed, the remainder of the work being left to be finished by the 117th 
Engineers. 

Langres Detail 

The detail for Langres, November 23d, under Sergeant First Class 
Payson, was joined by Master Engineer Fowle at the Rolampont square 
after loading on the trucks the tools necessary for barrack construction. 
At Langres, billeted in the Caserne Carteret, a former French barrack of 
four stories with a large courtyard including a mess-kitchen, situated 
behind the Cathedral and overlooking the valley to the southeast, the de- 
tail was as content as could be. 

The whole detail was composed of eighteen men from "E" Company, 
ten men from "F" Company, and two corporals from "D" Company, — 
Pendelton and Shepherd. Captain Cross of "F" Company was in charge, 
with Corporal Nead of "D" Company as his assistant or secretary. 

The work was to erect both small-size Avincourt or Swiss barracks 
and Adrian barracks in very scattered places and at some distance from the 
city for the proposed Army Engineer and Candidates' School. Work 
started immediately by clearing the Langres freight-yard, which was then 
completely filled with barrack sections and many cars to be unloaded, with 
others coming each day. A dozen French camions with chauffeurs were 
given to the work by the French authorities, under direction of Master 
Engineer Fowle. A company from the 9th Lifantry (Regulars) then at 
Langres, with our engineers in charge, loaded, unloaded, checked, assigned, 
and carefully packed the complete barrack sections at the "Plateau" south 
of the city. 

Erection was soon started and proceeded rapidly. Swiss huts were 
put up at the proposed Infantry School, Fort Peigney, Fort de la Bonnelle, 
and Adrians at the Candidates' School in the Turenne courtyard. A start 
was made in the erection of thirty-six Adrians in a community on the 
"Plateau," according to the plan of Master Engineer Fowle. 

Weather conditions during practically the whole period were very 
adverse. Severe cold, a heavy fall of snow, and rains made the work diffi- 
cult; but the time spent at Langres was enjoyed by all. 

Thanksgiving 

Our first Thanksgiving in France was to be a memorable occasion, 
so plans were made weeks ahead for the activities of the day — especially 
the dinner. Three committees were appointed, — one to prepare for the day 

[26] 



in general, one to buy necessary "eats," and the other to provide the 
entertainment features. It was not known at that time just what rations 
would be given by the Government, but when we learned that it was to in- 
clude turkey, very few extras were bought. It was decided to have a dining- 
hall for the entire Company, so arrangements were made for the use of a 
large-sized room off "E" Company street that had been used by the band 
for their rehearsals. Difficulty was experienced in getting sufficient tables 
and benches, but by a few visits to surrounding towns all that were needed 
were procured. Mistletoe and evergreen were gathered, and the resulting 
decorations were very cheering and homelike. 

November 29th was clear and mild, but the first cause for thankfulness 
was when we were allowed an additional hour's sleep, reveille being at 
8.00 hrs. Nothing was on tap until 10.00 hrs., when "E" Company was to 
meet Headquarters Company in a football game. The field was very 
muddy, and the light "E" Company men were at a decided disadvantage 
against their heavier opponents. Despite this, the game was hard fought 
and was marked with many brilliant plays. Headquarters winning 6-0. 
Then — nothing to do until the big "feed." 

The Company fell in at 13.30 hrs. and after a few moments marched to 
the "scene of festivities." The men remained standing until the whole 
Company had entered the room, when First Sergeant Buxton, as toast- 
master, made an appropriate little speech that immediately put everybody 
in good spirits. More toasts were given, songs were sung, various officers 
and men were given rousing cheers, not forgetting the cooks who had been 
up all the night before and whose efforts towards making the day a success 
were thoroughly appreciated by all, and everybody was put in that smiling 
state of anticipation that only a good dinner can satisfy. Then came the 
long-awaited "feed" served by our tired cooks. Roast turkey, roast geese, 
"stuffin'," mashed potatoes, creamed onions, and tomatoes heaped up our 
mess-kits until they were overflowing — and there were beaucoup seconds. 
Everybody was in excellent spirits during the meal — sang and cheered 
about everything, everybody, and anything, so that the room was a bedlam 
of happiness. After the turkey, and after many had let their belts out a 
few notches, they brought on mince, apple, and peach pie, figs, and either 
wine or coffee. We lingered over our dessert, cheered, sang, and jibed each 
other until four o'clock, when the entertainment started. The tables were 
removed, and a rough platform was erected for the performers. The 
talent all came from the Company, and included story-tellers, whistlers, 
songsters, musicians, duets, etc. Refreshments of fresh-baked biscuits, 
dates and coffee were served, the gathering not breaking up until after 
17.30 hours. Taps at 22.00 hrs. that night marked "the end of a 
perfect day." 

[27] 



LEPFONDS. - L'Egliic 




THE CHURai AT LEliUNUS 



Leffonds Detail 

On December 5th a detachment numbering fifty-four men under Lieu- 
tenant Wallin left Rolampont in trucks for LefTonds, sixteen kilometres away, 
to erect barracks. The weather here was clear and cold — quite a change 
from the mud and slime we had been accustomed to. The inhabitants of 
the town were very pleasant, and seemed very happy to assist in any way, 
such as making pies, washing clothes, and procuring wood for our fires. The 
town was very close to thick woods, and it was here for the first time that 
some of our Company took part in the famous French sport of hunting wild 
boars. 

The location of the site for building was high and drainage was easy. 
Slight cuts of not more than a foot and a half in good clean loam made it 
possible to progress rapidly, and the work of erecting eight barracks was 
completed in ten days, thereby establishing the best record for such work 
up to that time. 

On Christmas Eve all large details were ordered to Rolampont, the two 
from LefTonds and Faverolles hiking in the day before, the Langres detail 
being transported by trucks on Christmas Day. The whole Company was 
again together with the exception of a few men away at Nevers. 

[28] 




Kdil. Desnojiveaiix, 



VOUUl.\CUCHr [Huiilc M.I, in - lli,t l;,„,iu:i 
POUGNY STREET IN DOULAINCOURT 

CHAPTER IV 

CHRISTMAS DAY in Rolampont was a strange but not altogether 
unhappy one, — strange because reveille was extremely early for a 
holiday, and happy because the whole Company was once again at 
"home." Rolampont was the nearest thing to home we had, as one could 
have his own fireplace, even though it was in an old back room, or his little 
stove up in an attic somewhere, and he felt that they were his because of 
former association. Those who were billeted in haymows were welcome to 
the warmth of the homes of the friendly civilians, or the billets of comrades 
more fortunately situated. So every one was as happy as could be expected 
under the circumstances. 

Details had been working all through the previous night in preparation 
for the first big move, and the work continued through the day. One can 
easily imagine the excitement. Everything was hustle and bustle, wagons 
were hurriedly loaded with all kinds of supplies and equipment, and hurried 
off to the station and waiting trains, motive power being furnished by 
husky engineers who replaced the lacking animals very satisfactorily. 

At noon, the large packing-cases which had been sent from home 
containing our Christmas gifts were lined up in the Company street, and our 
presents given out — Corporal Murdy carrying off first prize with twenty- 
one packages. It was a sight to see him standing there, like a miniature 

[29] 



Santa Claus, completely laden down with his numerous remembrances, 
his round, ruddy face beaming with smiles, and not knowing or caring 
whether he could find his billet or not. 

Just picture yourself in one of our billets, a back room eighteen or twenty 
feet square, with twenty-two men sprawled on the floor, surrounded by the 
contents of their Christmas packages. Candy, cakes, cookies, and goodies of 
all kinds and descriptions, real American sweets, — what a treat after army 
rations, morning, noon, and night for three months! "Here, Bud, have some 
real American stuff; guess that'll tickle the cockles of your heart," said a 
corporal to one of his squad. "Sure," and he'd pass them all around. So 
the day passed, with plenty of good things to eat, and thoughts of those loved 
ones at home who had so kindly remembered us. It would be well to say 
that billet life develops an ideal generosity and a spirit of good-fellowship 
hard to duplicate, for here you learn to know men as you never did before. 

The following afternoon at 15.00 hrs. found us loaded into second-class 
coaches, with three days' rations and full equipment, bound for nobody 
knew where except the engineer — and he wasn 't telling. Two hours of riding 
carried us to the town of Gudmont, where after numerous side-trackings 
we remained stalled for the night. And some night it was to be, although 
we didn't know it at the time. The hours dragged on and on, and still no 
signs of moving. Midnight brought no relief, the weather was bitter cold, 
snow covered the ground, and the men huddled together in cramped po- 
sitions, seeking warmth from each other. 

At last dawn came, and one by one the men emerged stiffly from the 
cars in search of a cup of hot coffee. Some ventured up into the town, 
hoping to find something hot, while others were fortunate in locating the 
back door of a near-by cafe, where they managed to get a sandwich and a 
cup of coffee, but the majority had to content themselves with cold corned 
"willy" and hardtack. Needless to say, we fought an awful battle at Gud- 
mont — 6 below zero, and seventeen hours at a standstill. Seventeen hours 
was a short time compared with all the long, disagreeable hours we have 
since experienced, but the mention of Gudmont to an "E" Company man 
will invariably give rise to a noticeable shudder, and the absolute agreement 
that it was one awful night. 

Doulaincourt proved to be our destination, and a pleasant town it 
seemed to be, looking very good to us after spending twenty-two hours on 
the train, covering a distance of thirty-six miles. A day and a half were 
consumed in unloading supplies. Here we had our first glimpse of the 
formidable-looking steel helmet which we were soon to wear. Up to 
Christmas the weather had been mild, and we had begun to wonder whether 
or not snow ever fell in France, and whether the thermometer ever registered 
zero, but after our night at Gudmont we didn't wonder any more. Many 

[30] 



were taken sick, extreme colds and fever prevailed, and the thermometer 
hovered around 2 below. 

Sunday, December 30th, was a happy day, as Captain Brush returned to 
us after thirty-eight days of engineering at the Gondrecourt School. Every 
one was mighty glad to see him, and feel his lovable and dignified presence 
once more among us. The whole Company manifested their enthusiasm in 
rousing cheers. Running a close second to the Captain was our delayed 
Christmas dinner, and not much of an imagination is necessary to realize just 
how much a soldier enjoys anything out of the ordinary line of army mess. 

A barracks detail under Sergeant First Class Brodil started work on 
Monday morning, and the following day the Company was again sepa- 
rated. A detail of one hundred and fifty men celebrated New Year's Day 
by marching to Roches, with Lieutenant Bateman in charge. The work in 
Roches was grading, and snow covered the location, necessitating the re- 
moval of same before work could be started. Old winter was upon us in 
earnest, and colds and coughs multiplied, twenty-four men being sent to 
hospitals in eight days. We had ten grades to do, and it was slow, pain- 
ful work, with the ground frozen solid, the thermometer 6 below zero, and 
the wind blowing a gale all the time. 

On Saturday morning, January 5th, the first cloud that overshadowed 
the Company appeared in the unexpected and sudden death of Chauncey D. 
Bryant. He had been well and strong the day before, and working hard, as 
was his accustomed way. The news spread rapidly through the town and 
to Doulaincourt, causing great sorrow throughout the entire Company. 
It was our first death, and a sad blow to all, as Bryant had been one of our 
most thorough and conscientious men, with a reputation for honesty of 
purpose and earnest effort unsurpassed in the Company. Early in the 
afternoon, Colonel Bunnell, Major Nielsen, and Captain Brush arrived 
from Doulaincourt. The entire detail was formed and stood at salute, as 
a parting tribute, while the body of our beloved comrade was borne away. 

It is sometimes easier to go than to stay, and so it seemed in our case, 
for troubles grew more numerous instead of lessening. Lawson was sent 
away to the hospital with meningitis, and many men were placed under 
quarantine. Some billets were changed, and sick men watched closely by 
Major Nielsen, who made several trips to and from Doulaincourt for the 
express purpose of personally examining the sick ones. 

About this time the advantages of war-risk insurance were brought 
to the attention of the Company, and practically all took out policies, 
ranging from ^5,000 to $10,000. Corporal Crosby came to Roches from 
Doulaincourt to do the necessary clerical work, which took place in the 
Bailey Chateau, a costly and beautiful edifice. French towns with few 
exceptions have at least one millionaire's residence, probably an old 

[31] 



European custom handed down from the old feudal system of the Middle 
Ages, where one lord or baron with his vassals and serfs formed a township. 

From Roches we went to Chantraines, part of the way on train and 
part on foot, and the footway is by far more worthy of mention, because a 
certain driving snow-storm and a certain wrong road necessitated an extra 
march of five kilometres, much to the disgust of the men. Several days 
here brought good weather. The billets were good, thirty of the one 
hundred and twenty-six men living in a large chateau, and many others 
having private rooms among the inhabitants of the town, who were pleasant, 
and more obliging than in Roches. If the French like you, they will do al- 
most anything for you, and so it was in Chantraines. The French people 
trusted the Americans, and we did them, developing a very cordial relation- 
ship. Eggs and "f rites" were numerous and much enjoyed by every one, 
as well as milk, which was plentiful — quite a change from the cold and cheer- 
less town of Roches. 

Nine platforms were made at two different locations, just outside the 
town proper, and completed in a short time, the Company having gained 
great efficiency in this gentle art. One incident of our stay in Chantraines 
was the hurried removal of nineteen men in the middle of the night of 
January nth to the Neufchateau Hospital by ambulance. They had 
shown symptoms of meningitis upon examination by a medical officer, and 
the safety of the Company as well as their own depended upon quick 
attention. Some of these men came back after a short stay, others were 
away for many months, and a few never came back, ultimately being trans- 
ferred to other outfits. 

A most interesting phase of our life here was the nightly gatherings in 
the Chateau for the purpose of social amusement and earnest debate. We 
talked of literature, art, and music, although war, the all-absorbing topic, 
provided the wider range for enthusiastic argument. The men lounged in 
easy-chairs before a rousing fire and enjoyed the real comforts of home. 
Lieutenant Wallin, who had been to the front, gave us many interesting talks 
on conditions and modes of life, and enlightened us to some degree upon the 
mysteries of that unknown region. 

On the 23d of January this detail moved to Liffol-le-Grand, joining 
the remainder of the Company at Rimaucourt en route. Liffol-le-Grand 
was the headquarters of the 103d Infantry, quite a large town, with plenty 
of level fields all around, which were used in learning the intricacies of 
modern warfare. We were quartered in barracks in Freville, a short 
way from Lifl"ol, and commenced intensive training which at once proved 
very strenuous. 

It soon became evident that we were actually going to the Front. Gas- 
masks and steel helmets were added to our equipment, a test of gas-masks 

[32] 



taking place in an air-tight chamber filled with "tear" gas. Infantry tactics 
were hurriedly but carefully instilled, target practice and extended order 
progressed rapidly, and the whole Company enthused daily in the thought 
that we were soon to take our place in line with England and France et als. 
against a common foe. 

Two impressive church ceremonies were held, — one in Freville on Sun- 
day, January 27th, and the other on February 3d in Bazoille-sur-Meuse, 
where Companies "B" and "C" had been stationed since arrival in France, 
occupied in erecting hospital barracks. The Chaplain likened us to soldiers 
of Saint Paul, outlining principles of right and justice and asking for loyalty 
and esprit de corps throughout the regiment. The Colonel backed him up 
a little later with emphasis and told the regiment point blank what he ex- 
pected them to do. Even General Edwards favored us with his presence a 
few days later, making a favorable impression in a short speech, saying 
that all should be loyal and that "guts" would win the war — a very blunt 
but earnest way of putting it. 

It was not any great surprise when word was received on the morning 
of February 8th to "get ready," and get ready we did, proceeding to the 
station at LiflFol-le-Grand in company with the following articles: pack 
containing two blankets, blue denims, bed-sack, underwear, socks, raincoat, 
extra pair of shoes, two days' rations, forty-five rounds of ammunition, 
toilet-kit, tobacco, rubber boots, gas-masks, helmet, and many other 
articles, the whole thing weighing about seventy-five pounds. We piled 
into box cars and rode for eighteen hours, thirty-six men to a car, our first 
introduction to travelling in "side-door Pullmans," each of which bears the 
legend, " Homme s . .40, Chevaux {en long), .c?," finally arriving in Soissons 
at 9.00 hrs. on Saturday, February 9th. 




[33] 




TVFICALLV GERMAN. ORCHARD LAID FLAT BV 
THE BOCHES NEAR SORNY 



MONKEY HILL 
IN THE CHEMIN-DES-DAMES SECTOR 



CHAPTER V 



IN the early morning of February 9th our train pulled into the station- 
yard at Soissons and we had our first look at shell-riddled buildings. 
The outfit detrained immediately and we were shortly gazing on scenes 
of desolation which only war can create. Systems of trenches covered the 
hill facing the station, and the protecting barbed wire was very noticeable. 
The station itself had many jagged shell-holes through its slate roof, part 
of which was entirely gone, exposing the bare rafters and beams. Our 
march through Soissons to the North was soon under way, and the partial 
destruction of the city was apparent on every hand. Some buildings were 
without roofs; others had whole corners taken off' so that the interior of 
papered rooms was visible, and were roughly boarded from within to keep 
out the weather; still others had great holes torn in the walls from direct 
hits. 

The samples of work of the Boche were portrayed to us, and here we 
first realized, through the actual seeing of it, what had been going on for 
nearly four years in Europe. 

The city seemed semi-inhabited, but many shops were open along 
the main street, showing quite well-stocked windows for display of mer- 
chandise, in large part of a military nature. The huge cathedral with its 
beautiful twin towers, a wonderful piece of architecture, had evidently been 
used as a target by the Boche gunners, as practically the whole roof had 
been torn off, and great piles of masonry, plaster, and other debris were 
gathered both outside and inside the stately walls. We crossed the Aisne 
over the heavy steel bridge that had been constructed on the site of the 
stone one which had been blown up by the French to stop the advance of 
the Germans in 1914. 

The outskirts to the north of the city were passed, and we noticed 
how much worse was the damage here than in the city itself. All had been 

[34] 





THE CATHEDRAL AT SOISSONS 



completely razed by the 
sweep of the shells. 
Trenches ran every- 
where, following as near- 
ly as possible the course 
of the river. They ran 
through what once had 
been pretty gardens, be- 
hind walls, through cel- 
lars of levelled houses 
— everywhere. Masses 
of barbed wire, chevaux- 
de-frise, and other like 
obstacles were pitched 
to one side to allow 
free passage of the road. 

Then began our long hike up the hill, staggering under the weight of 
exceptionally heavy packs, carrying, in addition to our regular load, rubber 
boots, which were slung over our packs, hanging down either side, filled in 
most cases with treasured contents of Christmas packages recently received 
from home. The men quickly tired under the abnormally heavy loads and 
soon were strung out over the road all the way back to Soissons. CufRes, 
which had been a town of fair size, prettily located among the hills, was 
reached, and more of the fiendish work of the Germans was evident. Mines 
had been planted in many houses, and whole buildings had been lifted from 
the ground and scattered to the four winds. Whatever the Germans had 
left intact was destroyed by the French in their attempt to drive the Hun 
out by shell-fire. The country had been adapted to fruit-growing, and an 
almost heathenish display of German atrocity was shown in the ruthless 
manner in which whole orchards had been destroyed, the trees either 
standing girdled, their dead branches leafless, or completely felled, sawed 
off at the ground. 

Glad we were indeed to reach our camp for a rest, and a meal of hard- 
tack and "willy." Many immediately washed at a stream flowing beside 
the road, while others availed themselves of the opportunity to see more 
of famous Soissons. 

The following afternoon we shouldered our packs — now considerably 
lighter, our rubber boots having been gathered together and sent by one 
of the wagons — and started back down the'hill to the main road, north 
from the city, to our new scene of activity, the town of Sorny. We all 
quite enjoyed, behind Captain Brush, one of the best-regulated hikes 
we ever took, and did not mind the long tramp over the shell-torn roads 

[35] 



even though there was mud and water a-plenty. We felt our first thrill 
of excitement when we saw a flare for the first time. It went up and up 
like a skyrocket, and very near us it seemed, then burst into a brilliant 
white light. It floated down and down and then darkness again. Our 
billeting-places were quickly assigned in large caves, one of which alone 
was large enough to easily hold two platoons. We were happy to find 
awaiting us rough cots for our disposition, and made just the best use of 
them, as only a tired soldier can. 

Next morning when we emerged from our caves and looked around 
for our "town" we saw about what we expected — nothing but ruins — 
heaps of stone and partially standing walls. The site was a pretty one 
overlooking a deep ravine. Our line of balloons stretched away to the 
right, bending a trifle to the rear just behind where we were, then off to the 
left, giving us an idea of the direction of the lines. 

Work details were placed about the camp to make the place more 
habitable, and a large detachment was promptly despatched to get the 
main roads into a more nearly passable condition. Plenty of work was at 
hand in the development of the camp itself. A Company office was con- 
structed in the angle of two partly demolished walls; a splinter-proof 
kitchen erected for our cooks; a supply-room; and also a mess-room for 
the officers. A bath-house with a huge tank salvaged from the ruins, made 
water-tight for our water supply and set up near it, was one of our con- 
veniences. The tank was a huge iron-plate affair set into a high bank and 
could be filled by syphoning from the water wagon. This tank also sup- 
plied water for all camp purposes. We had carried through with us the 




TRI'.I'.S UlRDI.l'.n BY rilF. BOCHI', 



[36] 




COMPANY OFFICE AT SORNV, 
CHEMIN UES DAMES 



two heavy iron kettles used in the 
bath at Rolampont. Building ma- 
terial was salvaged, and firepot 
built to be fed from the outside. 
The water supply for the kettles was 
brought from the tank through a 
length of hose and the waste carried 
into deep dry-drains dug on the 
outside. 

Captain Brush remained in com- 
mand of the Company for only a 

short period after we got settled in Sorny, being relieved to take com- 
mand of Company "F, " then without a captain, and Lieutenant Mattson 
assumed command of Company "E." 

Our principal work in this sector was road construction and trench- 
work. A new road to the engineer dump in the direction of the Front was 
laid, the bulk of the stone being quarried by ourselves, and a length of 
communication trench, named the "Bayou des Singes," of more than four 
kilometres, leading to the famous Mont des Singes, was repaired and 
deepened, as the sides had caved in, due to heavy rains. 

The road-work continued very satisfactorily, and, after the task system 
was adopted in the trench-work, great progress was made there. A tunnel 
under the Juvigny-Vauxaillon Road was constructed, its approaches being 
well revetted. We also laid duckboards the entire length of the trench. 
Towards the completion of tlic work, through the heavily shelled area over 
"Monkey Hill," everything from "duds" and equipment of all kinds to 
dead Germans was unearthed. While our trench was being redug, the 

French engineers were busy excavating the 
partly demolished railroad tunnel of the main 
Paris-to-Berlin line. 

In our daily reports to the French Army 
Corps (we worked in conjunction with the French 
and under their direction in this sector) it was 
necessary to show the amount of trench and road 
work completed each day. A small-scale plan 
was made showing the work, which was measured 
every day and thus recorded. 

The trench-work took rapid strides to- 
wards completion, and we found ourselves 
constantly working closer to the greater ac- 
tivities of the front-line. Men at work in the 
trenches were shelled and got their first whiff 

[37] 




ENTRANCE TO DUGOUT 
AT SORNY 



of gas, as the work was carried on under good Boche observation from 
hisballoons. 

'^^ The Front, during practically the whole time we were in the sector, 
showed comparatively little activity, but shows of a varied nature were not 
infrequent. Two days after arriving in Sorny we saw, at noonday, a Boche 
plane shoot down from the clouds, drop his incendiary bombs upon a 
balloon, make a vain attempt to "get" the observer in his descending 
parachute, and, as the great bag burst into flames, with the air full of 
bursting anti-aircraft shells, make his way back safely to the Boche line, 
flying quite low. 

Repeated attempts were made to destroy an observation balloon in 
the rear of our town with long-range shrapnel, and, proving unsuccessful, 
a plane tried it one evening, coming "from the sun" in the rear of our 
own lines. The aviator succeeded in forcing the balloonists down, but 
was driven off by machine-guns and "Archies," the observers landing near 
one of our details. Air fights, too, were plentiful. One in particular, mak- 
ing a lasting impression upon all who saw it, was the execution of the "fall- 
ing leaf" by the Boche, followed in long plunges by his French adversary, 
finally straightening out and shooting away, flying very low to safety. At 
night, many times, perhaps on raids on Paris or Soissons, large numbers 
of German planes flew overhead, bringing into action many powerful 
searchlights whose long rays, crossed and recrossed, pierced the night. 
The flashes of bursting shells dotted the sky as the anti-aircraft guns placed 
their barrage. Tracer bullets also added to the illumination. 

We were not without our recreation either, as in the valley below, 
unobserved, we had ball-games, both with other outfits and among our- 
selves. The non-coms made repeated attempts, but never succeeded in 
putting over a win on the privates, always finishing with the short end. 
Soccer football was played with the French, resulting in a tie score, 2-2. 

"Mr. Barber," the Y. M. C. A. 
man, came to town and brought with 
him a considerable supply of eat- 
ables. He took great interest in 
the Company and men, and at least 
during the time he served us we "laid 
off" panning the Y. M. C. A., as 
we were indeed fortunate in having 
him with us. 

Towards the end of our stay 
in Sorny the Front began to show 
increased signs of activity, and rumor had it that the Germans were pre- 
paring an advance through the sector. That "Joe" was right this time was 

[38] 




WHO SAH) HERPICmE? ■GOING, GOING, GONE' 




OUR TWO NEW FRIENDS. BRITISH AND 
FRENCH GAS MASKS 



proven when in the early morning of 
March 2ist, as the French artillery 
and infantry flowed in, we moved out 
amid an ever-increasing and intense 
German gun-fire, having finished our 
first tour of duty at the Front. 

Excellent weather was ours as we 
marched along into Soissons in the 
early morning, the boom of the Ger- 
man guns all along the lines echoing 
at our heels, the sound following us all 
the way into the city. Bunks were 
assigned us in the old Abbey of St. 
Jean-de-Vignes there, two of whose 
aged spires had remained as yet intact. 
During the day we explored the city 
while shells screamed overhead in the 
efforts of the Germans to locate the 
railroad station and the bridge over 
the Aisne. 

In the early evening the alerte 
was sounded and all were ordered 

underground into a great electrically lighted cave beneath the Abbey 
which was large enough to hold a thousand persons. There we remained 
until 23.00 hrs. with French soldiers and civilians, including many women 
and children, while above us the shells burst, and great searchlights shot 
their rays into the night as a fleet of planes passed over the city to raid 
Paris. 

On account of the heavy shelling of the Soissons station, on the follow- 
ing morning we left for Amblenay-Fontenoy, some nine kilometres distant, 
to entrain for our rest {I) area. On Sunday, the 24th, we left the train at 
Brienne-le-Chateau, unloaded the baggage, hiked six kilometres to Crespy, 
and were billeted there at 3.30 hrs. the following morning, our first stretch 
of the march to our rest (.'') camp completed. In the hikes of the following 
days not a man fell out of the line, and the showing of the Company was 
such as to win commendation from Major Chase after a hike of twenty kilo- 
metres to Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises. As the Company passed him on 
entering the town he was good-naturedly hailed through the use of one of 
the Company's pet phrases then much in vogue. He took it as only Major 
Chase could, and shook as he enjoyed a hearty laugh. Due to a sudden 
change of marching orders after all were well situated for the night, a call 
for volunteers to make a forced march to our destination on the following 

[39] 



day was issued, those unable to make it to be transported by trucks. It 
was with difficulty that enough men for the capacities of the trucks were 
picked, as all wished to continue the march with the Company. But 
those "unfortunates" rolled their packs and left Colombey, arriving at 
Humbcrvillc at midnight of the 26th, the rest of the Company reaching 
there the following day, having been similarly transported much of the 
remaining distance. Here we were joined by our First Sergeant Buxton, 
back from the Engineer School at Gondrecourt, and we were indeed glad to 
see him again; also many who had been evacuated sick to hospitals returned 
to us here. 




[40] 






■-^'ffi^^-a 











CHAPTER \ I 

OUR rest at Humbcrville was destined to be sliort-lived, for we had 
hardly become accustomed to our new surroundings, making 
ourselves comfortable, aided greatly by being given access to our 
barrack-bags, when we were, on the second day of our "rest," ordered to 
pack our bags again and be prepared to move. The following day the 
whole regiment was moved over the road by French camions through 
Neufchateau to the Toul sector, and "E" Company, with its usual luck, 
this time due to a mistake of some Frenchman, was dropped in the town 
of Vignot, there to remain for the night and march the next day (Easter 
Sunday) to Gironville, the town in which we were supposed to have been 
placed originally. 

Of all the small towns in the sector north of Toul, Gironville was per- 
haps the most ideally situated. It nestled cosily under the imposing height 
upon which was situated the Fort of Gironville, whose system of tunnels 
undermined the whole hill. Cosy, and safe as well, might the town be 
termed, for, in spite of the fact that it overlooked the whole valley towards 
Metz and was in full view of the Boche lines, it was never fired upon while 
we were there, nor, according to the townsfolk, during the two years previous 
to that time. From the heights of the Fort the view of the whole sur- 
rounding country was splendid, and on a clear day, with artillery action 
upon the Germans, the whole exhibition could be seen, from the firing of 
the guns to the bursting of the shells in the Boche territory. Also, upon 
the sight of an enemy plane over our lines, it was interesting to watch the 
anti-aircraft guns spit their souvenirs of Uncle Sam at the Boche birdman. 
If he had ventured over a little too far, there were usually plenty of them 
a little too close for his comfort, sending him scurrying back to Bocheland 

[-H] 



J 




MONT SEC FROM GIRO.W ILLE 



to try it again later. GIronville will 
always be remembered by the men of 
"E" Company as being exceptionally 
pretty, for, besides its superb loca- 
tion, spring was bursting every bud 
and blossom to full bloom. A thick 
carpet of grass covered the hillside 
and small plots in town, all fruit- 
trees were heavily laden with beauti- 
ful blossoms, and plant life of all 
kinds grew rapidly as the season 
was ushered in by the ever-increasing heat of the sun. 

The dugouts and ahris in Gironville were probably in a worse con- 
dition than those in any town in which we had ever been, and our first 
work was to replace rotten timbers, and pump out the water which stood 
deep in all of them. Much decay from age in the supports rendered a very 
small factor of safety to the whole, and they were, as we found them, 
practically useless. Very soon after we came to the town. Lieutenant 
Wallin, Sergeant Cleaves, and Corporal Denner were detailed upon very 
important work, which was considered a large part of the biggest work 
yet undertaken by the Americans. Because of the nearly complete de- 
struction of the trenches by our artillery before the advance upon them 
by the 104th, relocation was necessary. This work was personally directed 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Crecilius with Major Chase and the three men from 
"E" Company mentioned above. Strict secrecy was maintained, and 
through the rain and darkness the work continued, eight hundred infantry 
men from the 104th doing the digging under the direction of the Engineers. 
A large detail from "F" Company of our own regiment took an important 
part in the work and were given the most difficult positions to consolidate. 
Quiet prevailed during the first part of the work, but near the completion, 
after the Germans had located the work being done, they opened up on the 
working party one night with a severe barrage of trench mortars and 
machine-guns. Fortunately no casualties were suffered, and at the close 
of the bombardment work was resumed. 

Word came to us on April 9th of the death of Edward R. Wilson of 
"C" Company, a man well known to all, having been one of our original 
Company in Boston and only a short time before transferred to "C." He 
was standing in the doorway of his dugout and was instantly killed by the 
explosion of a shell. 

The work in which the majority of the Company were engaged was that 
of stringing wire defences in front of our second and third lines of resist- 
ance. The work was organized under Lieutenant Foley, and, by apply- 

[42] 




iiig the "task "or time-work method, 
rapid progress was made. That fin- 
ished, work was commenced on 
erecting barracks to house artillery 
in woods off the Vignot-Gironville 
road about two kilometres distant. 
Three barracks were to be erected, 
and because of airplane observation, 
it was desired to complete one in a 
day and to camouflage it properly. ••■^f™"- church,- ..u-xmlll. ai ril. i... 
Beginning with the first, which was 

erected much quicker than any had been up to that time, the time 
of erection was rapidly cut to a minimum. The second was finished 
with the wide margin of two and a half hours over the first, while 
the third was completed in four hours — the best time by one hour. 
From Gironville also a detail, consisting of Sergeant Campbell, Sergeant 
Hurter, and Corporals Langworthy and Martin, was sent to the 52d 
C. A. C. at Boncourt, for supervision of the construction of deep shelters 
and gun-emplacements. 

Our stay at Gironville was not without its entertainment features, 
as we were very fortunate in having a "theatre" in town where several 
entertainments by the Company were given. The regiment of French 
infantry that had occupied the town before we relieved them had constructed 
a regulation stage in an unusually large barn. A brilliant red curtain that 
could be rolled up served as the "asbestos," and numerous hand-painted 
forms were the back drops and side wings. 

Perhaps our first show was the biggest success, and it was attended by 
about everybody in town, civilians included. A piano that served its 
purpose, even though it was rather "canny," was secured from a near-by 
house, and several candles made ideal footlights. 

The performance started at 19.00 hrs. with an appropriate speech by 
Lieutenant Foley, then followed in rapid succession numerous vaudeville 
acts, monologue artists, singers, musicians, etc., which delighted and 
amused the audience for almost three hours. Every one of the performers 
made a decided hit, but perhaps the most interesting sketch was given 
when "Nigger" Stuart, of oratorical fame, was called upon to tell "Why 
We Are Going Home." It happened that about this time an unfounded 
but very persistent rumor had been gathering strength to the effect that 
our division was immediately going home. It is curious, but every unit 
in the division had heard the rumor, and countless homesick boys prayed 
and hoped that it might be true. It was the one topic of conversation 
everywhere, and "Nigger" made a decided hit with his many "straight 

[43] 



Joes." Coffee and doughnuts were served as refresliments, and wlien the 
gathering broke up at 22.00 hrs. the evening was voted a grand success by 
every one. 

Upon our first taking over the sector, the 104th Regiment of Infantry, 
then in the Hnes in front of us, immediately started a rumpus with Fritz. 
As to just how it started is yet a matter of conjecture among the dougli- 
boys. They all have their version of It, but the story was that following 
an exchange of words there was an exchange of hand grenades between 
"Fritzie" and the mischievous "Hundred and Fourth," resulting in quite 
a scrap. Trenches were taken and lost and finally taken again and held, 
the whole operation taking place in a particularly mean part of the sector. 
But the doughboys made a clean-up, driving the Germans from a strong 
position, and brought the 104th Regiment of the United States Infantry 
into prominence with big headlines. It would be well here to state that 
"E" Company has invariably been associated in the lines with the "Croix 
de Guerre" regiment, one of the best in the A. E. F. 

On a particular night we all well remember, due to the report of a 
massing of German shock troops directly opposite us for attack, we were 
aroused from our sleep and initiated in the feelings associated with "stand- 
ing-to." We were formed in the street and held in readiness in shelters 
bordering the street until the expected hour had passed with no develop- 
ment of an attack, when we were permitted to lie down in our bunks but 
not undress. Later during our career in the lines we often had to "stand-to," 
but it came then quite as a matter of course, not with the great feeling of 
actually coming into conflict with the enemy, perhaps at close quarters, and 
not knowing how competent we were. 

Our work in mapping and sketching was here better organized and 
much was accomplished. A survey of the divisional sector showing supply- 
dumps and existing shelters for the men was made. Also, a plan of the 
town was drawn from an old plan given us by the French town major. 
Cross-sections of a quarry near Fort Gironville, of a proposed Regimental 
P. C, and later, after the location had been changed, another with an 
estimate for the building of a road to this new site were made for the 
Major. It was while on one of these survey parties that O'Neil made the 
first capture to be credited to the Company. The detail was working on a 
very rainy day, and O'Neil had been sent ahead to a quarry where he could 
get dry and start a fire for dinner. Unexpectedly he saw two figures near, 
both wearing French overcoats, one of them wearing the cap of a Hun. 
These two men acted suspiciously and hurried off in another direction. 
O'Neil, thinking quickly, went back to notify the rest of the detail, and 
two men were sent out to head off these suspected men from the woods at 
the rear. Then he went to notif}^ the Fort, from which a patrol of dough- 

[44] 



boys was sent out, and leaving the patrol started for the camp where the 
Engineers were stationed. Before proceeding very far he heard two shots, 
and was surprised to see the two suspected men. He started after them, 
catching one in the wire entanglements. The other was captured by the 
doughboys. These two with three others were recovered out of seven 
escaped Boche prisoners. 




LOOKING TOWARDS BOIS BR0l£, APREMONT 



[45] 




CHAPTER VII 

ON May 7th the Company was split into two sections, the first con- 
sisting of the first and fourth platoons and the second of the second 
and third. The first left Gironville immediately for Sanzey, a small 
town a few kilometres distant, under charge of Lieutenant Wallin. 
There they were billeted and at once took up work at the Army Corps 
dump at Leonval, a small railroad junction about two kilometres from 
Sanzey. Two other officers, Lieutenants McMillan and Eckstein, both of 
whom had been recently assigned to the Company, accompanied this sec- 
tion. The day following, the remainder of the Company moved to Menil- 
la-Tour, about four kilometres from Sanzey, there to begin work of the 
same nature in a dump in that town. 

At Leonval the toughest proposition was encountered, as, in addition 
to the day's work of loading and unloading, the location of the dump had to 
be changed. The nature of the work of both details, however, was prac- 
tically the same, as both dumps were situated at rail-heads, the standard- 
gauge railroad delivering the materials, which were unloaded, sorted in a 
large yard space, then, as ordered, despatched on a smaller-gauge train to 
the different rendezvous of the outfits desiring them for use in the lines. 
Everything necessary to construction work of any sort for front-line de- 
fence was there carried in stock, including barbed wire and pickets of all 
kinds, huge "elephant shelters," great sheet-iron forms for dugouts, duck- 
boards, cement, concrete "bursters" — blocks of concrete placed side by 
side and in layers for overhead protection to dugouts — water-pumps of all 
sizes; rope, sandbags, small gas-engines; and at Menil-la-Tour the large 
hardware storehouse contained all kinds of tools, electrical supplies, and 

[46] 




THE SAU-MIIJ, Al MENIL-LA-TOUR 



smaller hardware of every description. In addition to the handling of 
material, the detail at Menil-la-Tour operated a small saw-mill, the work 
in which consisted of the making of rough frames as ordered, the converting 
of the "scraps" from the large mill adjoining into duckboards, and filling 
of orders calling for lumber of a dimension not in stock. Also, a detail was 
assigned work in this larger mill, assisting the French mill-men in the saw- 
ing of huge logs into rough boarding and heavy supports used in underground 
galleries. 

Inventories of materials were made from time to time, and effort was 
made to keep the yards clean and well-policed. Each lot of material had 
its place, and orders were easily and quickly filled. 

Because of excellent sanitary conditions about the Company barracks 
at Menil-la-Tour, special compliment was given by corps inspectors, while 
general improvements were made all about the camp. Thanks to the 
efforts of our Stable Sergeant Richardson and Corporal Guild, we had one 
of the best baseball diamonds in France, an unused field having been 
ploughed and rolled, and we enjoyed seeing some good games played there. 
Here, at Menil-la-Tour, as at no other place we had been, great efforts 
had been made to further good entertainment. A ring had been erected 
very near our barracks, and many an evening's entertainment was afforded 
by good boxing-matches. Use of it was also made by singers, comedians, 
and "doughboy fun-artists," all of whom did their best to furnish a 

[47] 



laugh, and even Elsie Janis graced the same ring with some real "home 
dancing." 

To have had a birthday and not celebrated would have been out of the 
question, so when that event arrived, and "E" Company reached its "one- 
year-old" mark, the occasion was fittingly taken into consideration, and the 
day's sport will long be remembered. The whole was staged in Menil-la- 
Tour, the men from Leonval arriving early in the afternoon, and starting 
the ball rolling immediately. 

The fun began with a ball-game between the two sections, resulting 
in a win for the Menil-la-Tour "bunch." This was followed by a tug-o'-war, 
and by winning, the Leonvals "squared" themselves, and all then sat down 
to "some feed." In the evening the best entertainment ever staged by 
the Company's talent was held, and attended by many of the battalion 
officers. These included our former Battalion Commander Maj. Porter B. 
Chase, the Grand Old Aian, and, as he expressed it, "Father" of the 
Second Battalion, and our new Major Greenway. Both made speeches 
after short and appropriate introductions by Lieutenant Mattson, who 
acted as toastmaster for the evening. Our new Company Commander, 
Capt. John E. Langley, also gave a short talk and was well received. 

The good time following was greatly livened by Sergeant Priestley's 
masterful interpretation of Irish, Italian, and Jewish wit, and his ap- 
propriate slams at every one in the Company. Much clamoring for a song 
by Sergeant Bent earned for us "Mother Machree," and the reticent 
"Dottie" was called upon for further encores. "Scotty" Niven furnished 
his usual Highland songs, and outdid himself in his jokes, and McNally 
in a "regular" costume performed a clever "Hula-Hula." The "classic" 
of Tom McGlone, "Scarlet-Fever Jane," by then quite familiar to all, 
was sung by Tom himself. Our sport did not end until long after taps, 
and the departure of the Leonval men was delayed even later, as the 
German planes were bombing near by. 

On May 30th, ten men from "E" Company, included in a detachment 
of engineers from the regiment numbering some twenty-seven men, took 
an important part in a raid into the Boche lines on a five-hundred-yard 
front to the left of the town of Seicheprey. The operation was the first of 
its kind to be carried out under American supervision, and was protected 
by the great "Million-Dollar" barrage. Much preparation was made, 
daily drills in the entire proceeding being carried out at Royaumeix 
upon similar grounds and under the conditions expected to be encountered. 
Tools and explosives were carefully prepared, and on the night of the 30th, 
the whole force, consisting of four main details of seventy-five infantry 
men and six engineers each, proceeded into the lines. Each detail carried 
a forty-foot tube of explosive, to be used to blow up the wire ahead of them, 

[48] 




-*> 



LUUliL LAllIb Al LLLl-\\ Al, 




proceeding through Scicheprey and 
beyond our own wire into No 
Man's Land. Because of the length 
of the tubes, it was impossible to 
carry them through the trenches, 
so the tube-carriers were obliged 
to walk, across the top. 

The starting-point in front of 
the enemy wire was reached at 2.25 
hrs., and on the minute exactly at 
2.30 hrs. the great box-barrage 
opened up which was to protect 
the men at their work. It played 
a screen of iire upon the Hun first- 
line trenches for two minutes, then 
as it lifted to the enemy's second- 
line, the wire was blown and four 
large gaps opened, through which 
the doughboys sifted to follow the 
barrage ahead of them. The Ger- 
man second-line positions received 
a bitter dose of steel and iron last- 
ing six minutes, then the third and 
support were given like treatment 

by our artillery. The engineers led the infantry through the great gaps in 
the wire which they had blown, to the second-line, carrying explosives to 
demolish any obstacles which might be encountered, and there finished 
their work. 

Many c'asualties resulted from the raid, largely from gas, and our en- 
gineers received their full share of them. Corporal Foley was seriously 
gassed, and other men left the Company later for hospital treatment, 
suffering the same trouble. The object had been to procure information 
and prisoners, to destroy enemy dugouts, as many fine ones were supposed 
to exist there, and then retire. A bonus was offered for prisoners taken, 
and one lone boy, hardly eighteen years old, was captured, soon to be ap- 
propriately dubbed "the Million-Dollar Kid." 

Work had become monotonous at the dumps. All was hard labor, 
with little variety of work, so that when word came that we would relieve 
"A" Company of our regiment in the town of Beaumont, farther into 
the lines, prospects of activity were gladdening to all. After a hard 
day's work, the men from Leonval hiked to the town, while their more 
fortunate comrades, through the favor of the 23d Railway Engineers, 

[49] 



ANU'.KK A.\s AMI ITALIANS LOADING CARS AT 
THE DUMP. MENIL-LA-TOUR 



who occupied a barrack adjoining theirs in Menil-la-Tour, rode to 
Mandres aboard the small train which delivered supplies to that town. 
From Mandres the march was made across the fields in single file, with 
long intervals between men, into Beaumont, passing "A" Company as 
thcv filed out. 




REPAIRING NARROW GAUGE. LEONVAL 



[ M) ] 




CHAPTER VIII 

BEAUMONT was at the top of a gradual slope towards the Boche 
lines and overlooked the whole valley, following the giant ridges 
running from hill country in the west and stretching away to our 
right towards Metz across the plain. Mont Sec, that great bulwark of 
the Boche in this sector, with the little town of the same name nestling 
on its side, towered menacingly above Beaumont across the meadowland. 
In the earlier stages of the war, Mont Sec had been assaulted without 
success by the French six or seven times with severe losses, and now it 
seemed to look down on Beaumont with a dull foreboding of inimical 
strength and power. Nevertheless, we walked the streets bordered with 
shattered buildings and road camouflage, used the long communication 
trenches "Potomac" and "Seicheprey" daily and by night, forgetting 
at times the wonderful observation the Germans had of our activities from 
its summit. 

Beaumont boasted no intact buildings, and the lower end was nearly 
levelled by shell-fire. The attractive church, which must at one time have 
been a rather imposing little edifice, very prettily situated fronting the 
valley, with quite an elaborate interior, was completely destroyed. Its 
tower was the highest portion remaining, and the top of that was completely 
shot off. In all probability the Boche had levelled it, because it might 
have been used as a good observation-point for the occupants of the town. 
The building put to greatest use was the large chateau at one end of the 
village which held our Company office and several splinter-proof shelters 
facing into its great courtyard where the soccer-ball was kicked about 
between-times when there was no shelling. 

We were crowded into dugouts of fair size but with no light or ventila- 

[51] 





^S^ tion, the main object in their con- 
struction having been their safety. 
Tier after tier of close-set I-beams 
gave the greatest strength to the 
overhead protection, and great but- 
H T f^BL*^ "^L-IT ■jarrvifv tresses of building-stone were piled 
IP^SB ^'^■4^^'^ "^^y^af '^^lyT'^ about the entrances facing the 
H^H i^Kt^^r'^^^MHl^aBQSr^ enemy. The greater part of the 
^^■t ^%^,^ mKZ^^^m^^^m Company remained in town, while 

p. C, UNDER CIIN'STRl'CTIOX NEAR JURY WOODS ... . , 

the remainmg men were assigned 
quarters in dugouts under the road to Rambucourt leading from a deep 
trench running alongside, directly in front of a battery of 155's. Here 
living conditions were much better, as the dugouts were safer, there was 
less danger of drawing fire from Fritz, and a small spring at the head of 
the trench served excellently for drinking and washing purposes. 

Shelling was plentiful at odd times. Usually Beaumont was the 
recipient of a few about dusk every evening, and the communication 
trenches all suffered at various intervals. Here we were first subjected to 
gas to any great extent. Night gas guards were always on duty, but no 
one suffered any ill effects from it. Alarms were very frequent, much of 
the gas coming over from Fritz mixed with his H. E., making the detection 
more difficult. On June 7th, Henry Miasek, who was on Sergeant Moody's 
detail, had the doubtful honor of being the first man of the Company 
wounded, getting a piece of shrapnel in the knee. 

The Company took up work of many varieties. Two large dugouts 
thirty feet under ground with two entrances were being constructed for use 
as regimental and battalion P. C.'s by the infan- 
try commanders, through solid rock, — both being 
worked day and night. Work on an observation 
post was taken up at the outside edge of the 
town of Seicheprey, infantry were organized on 
trench and wire work at night, and various details 
necessary to the furthering of the work were 
assigned, the one perhaps most deserving of 
mention and credit being the detail under Sergeant 
Moody which made the nightly trip with the 
wagons into Seicheprey along the main road into 
town, — a road regularly shelled by the Germans, 
— with the lumber, sandbags, and other materials 
for construction. 

A detail which successfully accomplished a 
very hazardous mission was that under Captain 

[52] 




THE TRENCH NEAR THE BAT- 
TERIES AT BEAUMONT 




COURTYARD AT BEAUMONT, JUNE, 1918 



Langley consisting of Corporals Scliau and Johnson. The three left 
Beaumont the afternoon of the 13th, with T.N.T. explosive, detonating 
cord, fuses, all necessary to the success of their work, for " Shrapnel Valley" 
where an Intelligence Officer from the I02d Infantry was met, and proceeded 
under his guidance to the town of Seicheprey and thence to the infantry 
outpost, a "doughboy" having been selected to act as guard> against sur- 
prise over the party. The way was made through an abandoned trench 
system to its farthest extremity into No Man's Land and very close to 
the Boche lines. It then became a crawl on hands and knees to an old 
shell-hole but a few feet from the German front line which was being used 
by Fritz to hold a supply of six cases of "Minenwerfer" shells. 

The Germans had been using a light demountable infantry cannon at 
night against our outpost, pulling the pieces out in the morning before 
daybreak. The bomb was made, shells removed from the cases and care- 
fully piled around it, fuse attached, about twenty minutes of time being 
given, ignited, and the party arrived back at the outpost fully five minutes 
before the terrific explosion. The work had been well done. 

A complete organization of the work and system of reports was in- 
augurated. Extensive mapping of the whole area and trench systems was 
perfected and the work ran smoothly with good results. 

On the night of Sunday, June 9th, while the town was nearly emptied 
of engineers, and luckily after we had all been issued extra ammunition to 

[53] 



guard against a surprise attack, Fritz managed to drop a shell into our 
ammunition dump, a large shed containing a great amount of explosives, — ■ 
everything, from cartridges to shells, — and set it afire. The blaze could be 
seen for miles around, and the road was blocked to all traffic for several 
hours. On the day following, a volunteer detail was picked to put out the 
still dangerously smouldering fire. Two men were wounded through the 
bursting of a hand grenade, and the work was stopped. 

Beginning in the early morning of Sunday the i6th, Beaumont as 
well as all the neighboring towns and also towns well in the rear were sub- 
jected to a terrific "strafing." Through a period of four hours, shells of 
all calibres, mostly high explosives, but some gas, were poured into the 
village in a steady stream, and the bombardment continued intermittently 
during the whole day, giving us the worst taste of hell we had yet ex- 
perienced. Standing walls and parts of buildings still standing were more 
completely shattered, trees wholly and partly blown down, their heavy 

branches strewn all over the road, automobile 
ambulances smashed, and one shell landing 
under our well-filled water-wagon demolished 
it and dumped it completely over. The road 
and its camouflage was badly torn up, and 
down at the artillery emplacements where the 
Boche successfully landed great 2io's, whole 
dugouts built slightly above the surface of the 
ground and with solid reinforcement of concrete 
ten to fourteen feet thick were blown completely 
to pieces. It was a terrible day. Lasser, on 
guard in the courtyard of the chateau and 
standing just inside the door of the office, was 
killed without a scratch by the concussion of an 
exploding shell in the courtyard, and First 
Sergeant Buxton, Sergeant Moody, and Briggs 
all received serious wounds. Fred Watson re- 
ceived a wound in the abdomen which proved 
fatal to him. Harry Sproul, who was on detached service at regimen- 
tal headquarters at Boucq, was also severely wounded when Boucq was 
bombarded this same morning. 

The preparation of food during the day was nearly impossible, as our 
kitchen was in part of the chateau and directly exposed, and the supply 
became precarious owing to the impossibility of entering the town with 
teams. Through the efforts of Sergeant Shulver, then acting as assistant 
mess sergeant, a tapioca pudding with coffee and bread was served to all 
late in the afternoon. 




SERGEANT DREGER b bllIRT 

AFTER THE ENEMY'S GUNS 

STOPPED 



[54] 



Surely the day was 
a full one for us, and we 
were thankful when Fritz 
shifted his intentions to 
our back areas among 
the woods, in his search 
for some of our big guns, 
and a few days later, 
when another division's 
officers came to look over 
the positions and the 
town, we were thankful 
and pleased at the pros- 
pects of moving. On the 
25th, orders came, and 
that night, in single file 
at several pace intervals, 
we moved from town, 
meeting and forming the 
Company in Ansauville 
and marching to Menil- 
la-Tour. On the way out, 
the 82d Division was 
passed marching into the 
lines. We reached Menil- 
la-Tour after a tough 
hike at a quick pace, 
much exhausted, and 
were only too willing to 
just flop into the hay 
of the barns assigned to 
us for billets. 

The next day was 
spent resting, and that 

afternoon at 15.00 hrs. we left for Choloy, where we met the regi- 
ment. This hike though not very lengthy was tough, as our feet and 
backs were in poor condition owing to having been engaged so long 
in work of another nature. Here we were assigned to very fair billets 
and, looking forward to a few days' rest, proceeded to make ourselves 
at home. It was on this night of arrival in Choloy that we under- 
went our first real attack from the air. Boche airplanes flew over the 
town and a near-by airdrome, and bombs were dropped near enough 

[55] 




COMPANY OFFICE AT BEAUMONT 



Here Lasser was Killed and Sergeants Buxton and Moody 
Severely Wounded 



to shake the buildings and ground. For the first time we experienced 
that most helpless of all helpless feelings, knowing that our only safety 
was in the chance of not being hit, and we all voted it, besides being 
a rude party, rather a hardship after a hard day's work. 




A.\1LRKA.\ GRAVES AT MENIL-LA lULU 



[56] 




CHAPTER IX 



CHOLOY was a pretty village situated just south of Toul in one of 
those vast grape-producing sections of France. To its north lay a 
great height with the fair-sized town of Foug clinging to its steep 
slope, and the view of the surrounding country which could be obtained 
from there was excellent. The Canal de la Marne, the connecting link 
of waterway between the two great river valleys of the Marne and the 
Moselle, ran close by the town, and bordered on either side by great 
poplar trees was a beautiful "promenade" for those wishing to most fully 
enjoy their visit to Foug. 

A large munitions factory was the centre of attraction, there the 
barrels of the smaller calibre guns being formed and finished, with much 
of the labor furnished by women and girls. Bright, sunny weather made 
our short stay in Choloy very agreeable indeed, and we were also fortunate 
enough to enjoy similar weather during our trip from Pagny-sur-Meuse, 
where we had hiked to entrain, to La Ferte-sous-Jouarre to the east of 
Paris and south of the great salient with Chateau-Thierry at its apex. 
Our ride was a most beautiful one through this well-cultivated country. 
We wound in and out through the hills whose sides were prettily decorated 
with patches of cool green woods, strips of vineyards and acreage with little 
villages among them. These were bedecked with all the beauty nature 
could bestow, and seemed to beckon a welcome as we rode through. 

We were taken through Noisy-le-Sec seven kilometres from Paris, 
perhaps the closest to that city many of us had been. As Paris had been 
dangerously threatened by the Germans only a short time before, nearly 
every house which we passed flew at least one Star-Spangled Banner, and 
many were quite well decorated with our own "Old Glory," which was 
beginning to mean nearly as much to France as to ourselves. 

[57] 



We detrained at La Ferte, — and a hot dusty old place it was, — where 
we unloaded our wagons and equipment, all with a sweat and a hustle, 
through the blazing sun of a real summer's day. Our work finished, the 
long up-hill hike through more dust was begun, to the town of Chamigny, 
which was found to be full, necessitating another hike, short but plenty 
long to hungry and tired men. Captain Langley very thoughtfully hired 
a Frenchman with his team to take our packs up the high hill out of the 
town. Our destination .this time was the "Ferme la Rouge," where in 
neighboring woods "pup" tents were pitched after a hot meal, and a fine 
cool night's sleep was thoroughly enjoyed. 

The next day, the 3d of July, the Company moved back to Chamigny, 
billets having been found for a large part of the Company, the remainder 
pitching "pup" tents on vacant plots of ground. The first diversion from 




THE TOWN OF CHOLOV 



"E" COMPANY MARCHING TO PAGNY TO ENTRAIN 



the ordinary, for many, was the immediate plunge into the Marne and 
deliverance from dirt and dust which had accumulated during our rail- 
road trip and march. These daily plunges were the real attraction of the 
town, and, for the while at least, we were happy in being clean. Few 
civilians were about the place itself, most of the population having left at 
the time of the last advance of the Germans towards Paris, some two weeks 
before. All who remained carried gas-masks and were prepared to leave 
the town at short notice. The boom of the guns on the front was very 
distinct, and shells landed during the night hours in a town some five kilo- 
metres to the front which we could see quite plainly from Chamigny. 

On the night of the 7th, the Second Battalion of the regiment marched 
about eighteen kilometres up to the lines through Montreuil and into a deep 
woods just outside of the town, relieving a battalion of the 2d Engineers. 
A path leading from the main road was followed until all were under cover 
of the trees, then packs were unrolled and men slept in their blankets just 
where they happened to be. When it is realized that all this was done in 
utter darkness and no light of any kind could be shown, the reader can 
appreciate the difficulties attending some of our night movements. 

[58] 



;f.# 






fe*: fw 







•-..*' .^ 



SOMEBODY'S HOME IN CHAMIGNY 



The morning showed our location to be within easy observation 
distance of Fritz's balloons, with nothing but our camouflage of leaves for 
protection. Variously designed holes had been dug in the ground by those 
preceding us, some of which afforded fair protection from shell splinters, 
but most of those found were either improved upon or new ones dug during 
the first day after arrival. Our whole water supply was carried to us by the 
water-wagon from some distance to the rear, and a canteenful a day sufficed 
one man for all purposes unless he chose to wash in the slime and mud of 
a large shell-hole just outside the edge of the wood. Work was immediately 
begun during daylight hours upon wire bobbins to be used in the construc- 
tion of defence, and in one of the buildings of a near-by farm the construc- 
tion of a P. C. was started under the direction of Master Engineer Dorman, 
who had just been attached to the Company. Both day and night recon- 
naissance parties familiarized themselves with the new country and what 
our work was to be there. 

Considerable activity was the programme of both the Germans and 
ourselves, especially during the night. The small patches of woods which 
held our batteries were constantly deluged with gas by the enemy, and all 
work which was being carried on, as well as the guns, were well peppered 
with H. E. every night. Our batteries would usually quiet down after 
their early evening's entertainment, giving Fritz his opportunity about mid- 
night, then would open up just before dawn to continue until daylight. 

[59] 



That he might be the more certain of giving us a merry time he seldom 
failed to register during the day on new work, and his parties caused us no 
little annoyance, as our particular job was to consolidate a first line of de- 
fence for the infantry to fall back to if necessary. A large part of the new 
trench was under perfect observation from his lines, as it ran across the 
breast of a slope facing him and connected two woods at that place about 
eight hundred yards apart. Firing-pits had been dug by the Marines when 
they had made their stand at this place about three weeks before and 
before they had driven the Germans from the woods. These had to be 
connected with a four-lane defence of barbed wire in front, the whole making 
a rather mean job. The only line held by the infantry consisted of a 
series of unconnected outpost pits strung out through the woods ahead of 
where we worked. 

This work was started but never finished, as the rapid advance over 
this section made such defence useless; but during the progress of the work 
all the companies engaged suffered casualties at some stage of the work 
every night. The route used by the working parties was continually shelled 
as was the scene itself, and very good judgment was used by the Germans, 
it seemed, as to just when to shell which place. 

On the night of the 15th of June the real work in our sector started 
for us, beginning the series of nights never to be forgotten. We were ordered 
to roll packs with full equipment and were marched to the third-line defence 
positions, then a shallow trace trench with a single fence of wire for its de- 
fence, and ordered to dig in and prepare ourselves for a stay for as long as 
necessary. Dig we did and glad to do it, as, for some reason or other, 
Fritz began poking high explosives and gas-shells at us. After numerous 
shifts in the line and each had dug himself in a few times, orders came just 
before dawn to sling equipment, and the march back to the woods was 
made, ending a hard night's work. We had been placed in the position to 
act as infantry had the Boche attacked, but their attempt to advance 
was made at Chateau-Thierry, some fifteen kilometres to our right, and the 
Boche was thrown back without gain. 



[60] 




CHATEAU-TIIIF.RRY BEFORE THE WAR STRUCK IT 



CHAPTER X 



ON the night of the 17th, during a terrific thunderstorm, a detachment 
under command of Lieutenant Drown left the woods, our camping- 
ground, in trucks for the lines. Bombs weighing twenty pounds 
each were carried, one to a squad, as well as picks, shovels, axes, and 
wire-cutters. Extra bandoliers of ammunition were issued, one to each 
man, and rifles were slung across the back. A truck was previously 
loaded with large coils of wire to be used in hasty defence work. No 
instructions, except that it was to be an operation in conjunction with the 
infantry, were received, nor were maps of any kind available, and the 
country had not been seen by either enlisted men or officers. The trucks 
were abandoned at the right of La Voie-du-Chatel in the road to Lucy-le- 
Bocage. Wire was assigned the men without tools, and the detail marched 
to the woods on the left of the road near Lucy, to the Third Battalion, 
104th Infantry headquarters there to find a guide to the destination. The 
guide arriving, the woods were left for the main road, which was followed 
through Lucy, thence to the Ravine Gobert, and into it at the dressing- 
station in the culvert under the road. The detail proceeded up the ravine, 
at times completely intermingled with the infantry, who quite filled it 
themselves, dragging the wire, and now and then stopping for either a shift 
of loads or because of slight holdups ahead. Finally the base of the wooded 
hill of the Bois de Belleau was reached and time given to take a short rest, 
then the drag up the hill was made. Reaching the top, confusion among 
the machine-gunners, who had gotten the command "to the rear" closely 
followed by "double time," occasioned our men to drop their loads and 

[61] 



start for the rear. Immediately word came, "Forward," and the march 
was resumed. The P. C. in the ravine running across the top of the hill 
was reached by all and each with his load as assigned to him, those men 
carrying barbed wire having had a particularly hard time of it. Leggings 
were in most cases completely torn off, and many legs were bleeding from 
cuts made by the barbs. The wire had been now yanked along the 
ground, now carried over the shoulders, and the bulkiness had made the 
trip through the woods and along the narrow woods path, strewn with 
limbs and undergrowth, extremely difficult. 

Here in the ravine, after a rest of a few moments. Lieutenant Drown 
procured another guide and further orders. Orders were to advance, 
and led by him the detail proceeded along the path to the woods on the 
edge of the hill to where the infantry was located which it was to accompany. 
Shelling became more severe in the reserve line in the ravine where the men 
had just been. A short distance had been covered towards the objective, 
and because of speed ahead of the guide and the impossibility of moving 
fast so heavily loaded, the file again broke, very badly in places. Shelling 
became very heavy. The detail had evidently been caught in the Boche 
counter-barrage and was under observation. Many men were hit as the 
shells screamed in. Here Goodearl was instantly killed, and Cole, who was 
hit at almost the same time, died within a very few minutes after pressing 
ahead his limit. Corporal Fogg and Private Dyer received mortal wounds. 
Sergeant Thomas and Corporal Smith with practically his whole squad were 
hit, and many others were slightly wounded, but went ahead in spite of 
their wounds. The first thirteen men under Lieutenant Drown had dis- 
appeared in the deluge, having gone to left of road following the guide, and 
Sergeants Watson and Ripley assumed command of all men who could be 
gathered together. Orders had been given to drop the heavy loads, so 
the men were running light. The detail was kept under cover and recon- 
noitring failed to locate Lieutenant Drown. Jacks was here found to be 
in serious shape, having been wounded in three places. The flow of blood 
was stopped, and he was ordered to the rear. Adams with a wound in the 
arm and Campbell with gas were both sent to the rear as it became known 
that they were injured. Dudley was slightly wounded in the arm, but 
continued carrying water to the aid station several hours. Watch was 
kept to locate Lieutenant Drown or a runner from him, but without suc- 
cess. Later, upon being joined by Lieutenant Wallin, all were taken back 
to the ravine and Lieutenant Wallin reported to the infantry battalion 
P. C. for further orders. 

The work was then to form a carrying party to get ammunition to 
the infantry, and somewhat later, in pursuance of further orders, to organ- 
ize a party of eight men for the same purpose and send the remainder of 

[62] 



men back to the Company. These orders were carried out, another trip 
with ammunition made, and still further orders were for the detail to be 
ready to go over with the third wave of infantry going at 7.00 hrs. the fol- 
lowing morning as engineers. All wire and engineer equipment was 
gathered together and the night spent in the ravine. The same work was 
resumed in the morning, as no advance was made by the infantry. This 
detail buried the bodies of Cole and Goodearl side by side in a grove at 
the edge of the woods. A simple burial ceremony was performed by 
Corporal Chisholm, and crosses made with the identification tags tied to 
them to mark the graves. Word was received that the Company was 
to move into the lines, so Sergeant Watson, who had been in charge of the 
detail, reported with his detail to the Company at the woods. Before the 
Company moved, a party of sergeants, corporals, and men who were 
intimate with the two men who had been killed, visited the two graves 
and planted more substantial crosses than those hastily set by the men 
who had buried them. The party had been considerably larger at the 
start, but heavy shelling of Lucy-le-Bocage made it unwise for all to 
continue. 

The few men, numbering thirteen, who had succeeded in following 
Lieutenant Drown through the whole affair, reported with him to the 
P. C. in the front-line trench, being then assigned to "M" Company of 
the 104th Infantry, then in readiness to go over. More engineers had not 
been able to follow because of the heavy shelling and extremely quick 
pace the doughboy guide had set. Everybody went over at 8.25 hrs. in 
the first wave. A small woods beyond the railroad track was reached, 
and after crossing an open wheatfield and swinging to the right, Givry was 
taken, which furnished the first protection, the order arriving to dig in. 
This was done, but with poor satisfaction, as not more than a foot could be 
scraped away before striking water. Lieutenant Drown here left the 
detachment for Belleau for further orders, and as positions were to be 
consolidated and no tools were at hand, a message was sent back to the 
battalion to have both tools and additional men sent up. The whole detail 
laid there the rest of that day and night. Corporal Schau, who had been 
acting as sergeant on the work, was sent to the rear by infantry medical 
authorities, the wound which he received early in the morning having begun 
to give him trouble. 

Early in the morning "Fritz" started to shell the whole of Belleau 
Woods heavily, and, gradually shortening the range, the shells began to 
land among the woods occupied by our men. Near 10.00 hrs. the range 
was again shortened and a shell hit in the midst of the engineer group, 
badly wounding Salveson and Rogers and inflicting a wound upon Lieu- 
tenant Drown. The remainder of the detail helped to remove the wounded 

[63] 



to the first-aid station in the town of Belleau, then were ordered to make 
their way back to Belleau Woods to there rejoin any men of the original 
detail to be found. 

Another detachment, this time under Lieutenant Mattson and Master 
Engineer Dorman, with Captain Langley accompanying, left the woods on 
the night of the 19th. They were carried by trucks to the outskirts of 
Lucy-le-Bocage and then made their way by road to the town of Belleau 
to go over with the infantry in the early-morning attack. During the 
wait outside the town for a reconnaissance of the position to be taken, 
much high explosive broke near at hand and showered the men with 
dirt and fragments, but injured no one. 

Arrival was made in the town at 2.30 hrs. on the morning of the 20th 
and hour of attack was scheduled at 5.00 hrs. Captain Langley here was 
obliged to leave the detachment in order to get back to the Company 
before daylight. No attack was made at the time set, it being necessary 
to allow the forces on both sides of our division to draw into front with us, 
and in the severe shelling of the town while waiting the word of advance, 
two men. Private Lamore and Corporal Denner, were wounded. The 
wait continued through the day until 15.00 hrs. in the afternoon, when 
orders came to go ahead. 

In making the attack in the afternoon of that day the engineers were 
ordered to accompany the third wave of infantry, half of the party being 
under the command of Lieutenant Mattson, and being designated to 
accompany the left wing, and the remainder, under the command of 
Master Engineer Dorman, being ordered to accompany the right wing. 
Shortly after the attack started, and about the time that our second wave 
got away, the Boche made a strong counter-attack against the French on 
our left, and succeeded in forcing our allies to retreat from the portion of 
the hill which they occupied. Following up this success, the enemy placed 
several machine-guns in a position to completely enfilade our lines, so that 
when our third wave attempted to advance they immediately found them- 
selves under heavy fire. Members of the infantry were killed and wounded 
in attempting to cross an open stubble-field which was swept by this fire, 
and the wave was more or less disorganized. 

The first section of the engineer detail, led by Lieutenant Mattson, 
went over promptly on time, and was immediately followed by the second 
section, led by Master Engineer Dorman. Shortly after leaving the trench. 
Lieutenant Mattson was hit by a machine-gun bullet, and the command 
of the party devolved upon Master Engineer Dorman. After reorganizing 
the entire party, which had suffered many casualties, and which, with the 
loss of its officer had become somewhat confused by the heavy fire which 
it was sustaining. Master Engineer Dorman placed himself at its head and 

[64] 



continued the advance. The detail having now become depleted to forty- 
four men and being still exposed to very heavy fire from the enemy machine- 
guns, was led by Master Engineer Dorman to cover of the high banks of 
the Chateau-Thierry road to the east of the town. This road which led 
directly towards the objective, afforded some cover from the cross-fire 
which had been sustained and enabled them to continue the advance. Here 
the remaining infantry of the third wave reassembled and the whole wave 
was organized to continue its part in the attack. While the work of organi- 
zation was proceeding, a fairly heavy artillery fire was maintained on the 
road by the Germans. Word having been brought back by runners that 
the preceding waves had been held up in their advance, an order was 
issued by the commander of the infantry to dig in and prepare to hold 
against a possible counter-attack. In this work the engineers not only 
fortified their own position, but also gave what assistance they could to the 
infantry. Throughout the entire time the party was under combined 
artillery, machine-gun, and snipers' fire. Nevertheless, all orders were 
executed cheerfully and with alacrity, and many exhibitions of personal 
bravery were observed. 

Captain Langley arrived early the following morning, having left the 
Company at midnight the night before, and assumed command. During 
this whole action, Morrissey and Turner as stretcher-bearers, as well as 
Corporals Logee and Brown as runners, were particularly worthy of men- 
tion for the parts which they performed. 

As the Boche had cleared during the night, the progress ahead the next 
day to the farm of Chante-Merle was unhindered except for a capture of 
twenty Germans made in a strip of woods near Etrepilly, and arrival was 
made near noon. Through continuous shell fire, attempts were made to 
get sleep in whatever crowded shelter was available, sharing all with the 
infantry until 22.30 hrs. that night, when the march was made to occupy 
the small farm of Croix Rouge, near Epieds, over a road affording no pro- 
tection from the continuous heavy shelling to which the whole area was now 
being subjected. None were wounded, through a seeming miracle, but 
Crosby became badly shocked by the force of the explosions. 

Being held up by shelling of the road ahead, information was obtained 
from the French that the town given as destination of our men was still 
occupied by the Germans. The road had become jammed with both 
troops and artillery, but a halt was made in a woods selected for a rest. 
This because of heavy shelling was evacuated, and return was made to 
Chante-Merle, from where we had started early in the evening. All the 
morning, under shelter of the old buildings and sheds of the farm, as the 
place boasted no dugouts, a few winks of the much-needed sleep were 
snatched. 

[ 65 ] 



The town was left in the early afternoon of the 22d, the engineers, 
at this time numbering about forty men, under command of Master En- 
gineer Dorman, as Captain Langley was now Acting Major of the whole 
force in support, both infantry and engineers. 

March was resumed towards the enemy. That night all slept near 
the edge of a patch of woods beside the artillery; our first meal from the 
Company was received, more hardtack and "willy," at 21.00 hrs. that 
night. Previous to this time the only food secured had been taken from 
packs of those fallen in the field or those left by departed wounded. Little 
of the incessant shelling was now doing damage, the Boche having with- 
drawn whatever he could of his artillery, and judging by the immense 
stores of ammunition passed, partially destroyed and having been hastily 
abandoned, he might well be short of that also. Word arrived that the 
Company was up in the lines in the afternoon, and Master Engineer Dor- 
man with the detachment proceeded to the Company to report. The 
Company had marched to Torcy, a small town to the left of Belleau, and 
had been engaged in burying dead and repairing the great holes ripped in 
many places in the roads by shells during the day of the 22d, and at ten 
o'clock that night had hiked to near the present location, a distance of 
approximately nineteen kilometres. The first orders received were to 
attack a certain woods ahead, so the advance was made by single 
file, then, deployed, rushes were made, under severe machine-gun and 
shell fire, in the course of which Privates Hadley and Raymond were 
wounded. The woods so ordered to be "taken" were found to be already 
occupied by American troops, so there a halt was made until afternoon, 
when the Company was joined by the detachment under Master Engineer 
Dorman. 

Lieut. Karl Jackson had joined the Company and was assigned to 
command those in the woods, numbering then practically the full strength 
of the Company. 

Captain Langley and Major Greenway here made a check of the posi- 
tion of the Company, and Master Engineer Dorman's detail continued a 
short distance ahead to positions in the same woods. Machine-gun 
"nests" were encountered still being operated by the Germans, and two 
details under Lieutenant Jackson reconnoitred for the position of one Boche 
sniper who was giving trouble, but he withdrew. Intermittent shelling 
continued until two o'clock in the afternoon, when the whole Company 
was withdrawn to the original position to the rear, in front of the 75's. 
Continued rain and much "sneeze" gas served as a fine combination to 
add to the already disagreeable enough situation. 

The Company was then placed under orders to attack the town of 
Trugny, to the left of Epieds, at midnight. Because of the known over- 

[66] 



whelming man-to-man strength of the Germans, this was a difficult propo- 
sition. Before the appointed time, the Company was formed under 
Lieutenants Jackson and Wallin and held In readiness. Thanks to "E" 
Company's lucky stars, then for once most in evidence, word was received 
at just midnight to abandon the project, and the Company was ordered 
withdrawn, joining the battalion at Breteuil Farm. 




VIEW OF THE MARNE JUST OUTSIDE OF XANTEUIL 



[67] 




CHAPTER XI 



JUST after mess on the night of the 23d, the battaUon was hurriedly 
assembled in the courtyard of the great farmhouse, and picks or 
shovels were added to rifle, belt, and gas-masks, and we set out at 
once for Epieds, three kilometres away. 

Epieds had been taken the day before and presented a busy scene. We 
marched hurriedly through the town in a column of twos. Ambulances lined 
the side of the road, awaiting their turn at the Red Cross hospital with their 
wounded. Guns, heavy trucks with ammunition, automobiles with stafi^ 
officers, and all kinds of military traffic were moving as speedily as possible 
on their way towards the front. Besides all this, there were continual 
streams of walking traffic, some coming, some going, perhaps a couple of 
wounded doughboys able to walk and seeking the first-aid station, or an 
outgoing body of infantry, or an incoming bunch of machine-gunners, in 
fact, a representative of every department of Uncle Sam's Army passed 
before our eyes as we wove our way through the crowded town and out into 
a road leading towards a big wood. 

It was growing dark, and we took a position along an old muddy cart- 
path, each company having a certain section. Our mission was to help 
artillery caissons through the woods to newly made gun positions. Heavy 
shelling had been going on all day, and the night brought no change. 
The Germans used much gas, and faint odors drifted down the hill to our 
position, causing the usual sickening efi"ect. 

Time and time again a caisson would get into the mud, and we would 
dig and dig and dig until we finally extricated mules and caisson and' sent 
them on their way. One can easily imagine the confusion in the pitchy 
darkness. Some caissons had to go by one path and some by another, 
according to the position of their respective guns, and those guns were 
constantly booming, but the boom and the flash were all the same. The 

[68] 



mule-skinners knew nothing and we knew little more, except that here 
was a wood filled with guns which had to have beaucoup ammunition. 
They might be two or three miles away, and somehow the mule-skinners 
had to get there and deliver their supply of shells and go back for more. 
So we acted as guides and posted men all along the different paths and 
kept the caissons moving all through the night. 

At midnight "D" and "F" Companies, which were located in the 
same wood, encountered much gas and were forced to leave, not, however, 
until they had rebuilt all the bad places, working most of the time with 
gas-masks on, a fatiguing and most disagreeable task. 

"E" Company stuck to the path until just before dawn, when word 
was passed to assemble in the clearing at the edge of the woods. We 
marched back to the farm, there to find flapjacks and coffee awaiting us. 
During breakfast "Joe" started the very disheartening rumor that we 
were to be retained as corps engineers after the 26th was relieved. This 
meant that we would keep on working with some other division, and it was 
certainly a dreary outlook, for we were pretty well tired out from loss of 
sleep and lack of nourishment. Meals were mighty scarce back in the 
middle of July, and sometimes one would go three or four days without a 
drink of water. 

Five days of bridge and road work followed, then we moved eight 
kilometres up the line to the woods near the town of Beuvardes, and it 
proved to be one of the hottest places we had yet been in. Behind an old 
stone wall, in hedgerow, and under apple-trees lay battery after battery of 
six-inch rifles, both long and short range. We were located a few rods from 
these powerful guns in a dense wood, and perhaps a kilometre or two in 
front of us were the famous 75's barking away continually night and day. 
Airplanes were numerous, and they came over at all hours of the day or 
night, prying out gun positions, locating road traffic and poorly concealed 
smoke of rolling kitchens. Once they located anything you'd soon know it, 
for over would come the first shot, a range-finder, closely followed by a 
whole volley, and you'd either change your boarding-house or cash in. 

Sleeping in "pup" tents was a ticklish proposition, especially at night. 
Things would quiet down to a certain extent, artillery would become less 
active at certain hours, and one would lie there partly asleep, listening 
passively to an occasional boom of a gun. Suddenly you would sit bolt 
upright, stick your head out through the flap of your tent, and there would 
come to your listening ears the double-action throb of a Boche plane. 
Nearer and nearer would come that demon of the night, and then all of a 
sudden a tremendous explosion would shake the ground, and you would 
instinctively know that the Boche was after a gun, and you would turn to 
your blankets again with a sigh of relief. 

[69] 



Several days of road-work with enormous traffic and awful clouds of 
dust followed with plenty of excitement thrown in, and then on the 2d 
of August the whole battalion had a grand burying-party. We covered 
about four square miles of woods, burying numerous bodies, both man and 
beast. The air was filled with an awful stench, so foul that many men 
could not participate in the work. We buried many of the famous Prus- 
sian Guard, who lost heavily; these were the largest men we had ever seen, 
some being nearly seven feet in height, and stockily built in proportion. 
The woods were filled with equipment of all kinds, broken guns, bayonets, 
daggers, gas-masks, ammunition, machine-gun belts, and the famous 
"Gott Mit Uns" buckles. Trees were riddled with shot and snapped oflF 
at the trunks as though but matches, and one look was all that was neces- 
sary to reveal the awful carnage which had been wrought there. 

Relief came a few days later, so we packed up and marched twenty 
kilometres to Chateau-Thierry. An interesting feature of this hike was 
the large gun emplacement near Brecy. Here was concealed the big gun 
which fired on Paris a few days before. The Germans jiad succeeded in 
getting away with the gun, but left the emplacement, as it was too big a 
job to tackle in a hurry. 

Chateau-Thierry had been exposed to severe shelling, and it was a sad 
sight to see the civilian population returning to their homes with a faint 
hope that there might be something left for them to start life again with. 
We slept in a large convent which had been used as a hospital; all the 
windows were shattered, and many large shell-holes through the roof 
afforded plenty of ventilation. 

We knocked off twenty-two kilometres the next day, arriving in the 
town of Nanteuil-sur-Marne a tired and hungry bunch. The town was a 
quiet and wonderfully peaceful one in comparison with those we had 
inhabited during the last few weeks. No boom of guns nor foul stench of 
the dead disturbed the pleasant days that followed, and we soon fell into 
the spirit of daily routine, drills, and regimental parades. Lieutenant 
Mattson was promoted to the rank of captain and left the Company to 
take up his duties as First Battalion Adjutant. Several promotions took 
place in the ranks, one being that of Sergeant Dreger who had joined us 
back in April and now became Mess Sergeant, Sergeant Hutcheson joining 
the ranks as Senior Duty Sergeant. 

It was vacation-time for the nineteen lucky ones who secured twenty- 
four-hour passes to Paris. They had the time of their lives, and came 
back with wonderful tales of the queen city of the world. 

On the morning of August 14th we started for Chateau-Thierry, had 
lunch on the road, and arrived on the outskirts of the town in the late 
afternoon. Had a hot meal, and lay down on bundles of newly stacked 

[70] 




Col. GEORGE W. BUNNELL 
Commanding the ioist Regiment Engineers throughout its Entire Service 



wheat in a near-by field where we shivered and froze till 3.00 hrs. the next 
morning, when we started for the train-yards two kilometres away. 

The ride through the Marne Valley was a beautiful one and showed us 
the great grape section with miles and miles of vineyards stretching away 
up the hillsides on either side of the valley. 

"E" Company and the Colonel succeeded in clearing the trains at 
Chatillon shortly after midnight. We marched through the town and 
bivouacked in a field for a short sleep of four hours. The next morning, 
the march was started early, and we arrived in Nod-sur-Seine, our rest 
camp, just in time to have a good wash before noon mess. 

Nod was a pretty little town, and its people were very cordial, and 
pleased to have American troops in their midst for the first time. The 
river Seine traced a winding course through the outskirts, affording plenty 
of opportunity for bathing, which was a luxury indeed, as the weather was 
hot and baths had been mighty scarce. 

The first Sunday was a memorable one. The whole regiment was 
assembled in a large grove bordering the Seine. Regulations and good 
advice were in order, and just as the service ended, the Colonel jumped 
to the stone wall and ordered "Three Cheers" for the 90th Division, then 
passing in the street above us. They were on their way to the front for 
the first time, and covered with dust from head to foot. After six days of 

[71] 



hiking, a more jaded and tired bunch would be hard to find. The band 
struck into a snappy march, and the 90th picked up the step and followed 
immediately with the weird yell of the American Indian, which told us 
plainly indeed that they were from our own Great West. 

The days passed quickly, and strenuously for a rest camp, with drills 
and many new formations taking up the entire day. Sergeant First Class 
King had joined the Company again after eight months at Chatillon, and 
he set up a rifle range which the whole regiment used to good advantage, 
and also gave some good lectures on road-work, comparing French, English, 
and American methods in both road construction and bridge-building. 

One hot summer day, just as the whole Company lined up for noon 
mess. First Sergeant Buxton made his appearance after three months in 
the hospital, and received three rousing cheers. Other wounded men who 
had been returned with the First Sergeant were Dudley, Corporal Welch, 
Miasek, Colaluce, Hyberts, Alec. Misek, Ramponi, and Sergeant Francis, 
also many replacements. This necessitated the re-squadding of the Com- 
pany, which was done the next day. 

Sergt. John W. Priestley, idol of the Fourth Platoon, and one of the 
most strenuous workers the Company ever knew, left for home. While 
we were at Nod, Priestley's ability in getting a job done, and done right, 
was certainly deserving of high praise. His clever abuse of the English, 
Italian, and French languages was such a marvel that the Captain chose 
him without a doubt as the home advertiser of the engineers. 

Certain delaying of promised passes made it apparent that we would 
soon be on the move again, and shortly after night mess on the 30th of 
August we left for Chatillon, where we entrained at 4.00 hrs. on Saturday 
morning after a very cold and disagreeable night. A short ride of seven 
hours carried us to Nangois-Tronville, arriving at noon. We marched 
three kilometres, pitched our "pup" tents on the side of a hill, had mess 
and settled down for a good night. Small fires were lighted, and a crowd 
would gather round and sing and tell stories, wondering all the while where 
the Company was bound for. At 21.30 hrs., after all but a few had turned 
in, word was hurriedly passed from tent to tent to get up, roll packs, and 
be assembled on the path below in twenty minutes. Every one was much 
excited, and the old pine forest echoed and re-echoed with confusing shouts 
and commands. However, the Company was formed at the appointed 
time and marched away into the darkness for an all-night hike, arriving 
in more woods at 4.00 hrs. just in time to get under cover before daybreak. 
It reads well, but it was about the slowest game of checkers we ever took 
part in. There would be long waits by the side of the road owing to traffic 
ahead, and then a double-quick to get caught up. 

It became known that we were to take part in the first big offensive 

[72] 




planned and executed wholly by Americans, and 
were to be backed up by an enormous concentra- 
tion of artillery both French and American. 
This was made known to us through Lieutenant 
Dorman, who had just been promoted as a 
reward for his good work at Chateau-Thierry 
with "E" Company under fire, and who always 
tried to keep the men well posted. He was one 
of the few in the regiment to get a commission 
from the ranks in France without going to an 
army school, and we felt proud of his record 
because he had always been closely associated 
with "E" Company. 

We hiked night after night for ten nights, 

. , ■ r\ 1 II 1 HIKING OUT FROM 

sleeping daytimes. Our course lay parallel to chateau-thierry 

the lines, in a northerly direction, and caused 

much conjecture as to where we were going to hit that line, for we knew 
nothing, as usual. 

On the morning of September 7 the Company arrived at Rupt-en- 
Woevre and encamped on the top of a high hill near by. Here until the 
lith the Company rested and prepared for the event now well forecasted. 
Here our former First Sergeant Buxton was appointed Sergeant Major 
and assigned to the First Battalion. 

About 17.00 hrs. on the nth after a hike of three kilometres we joined 
the infantry in a wood on the slope of a high hill, pitched tents, and had 
mess amid a torrent of rain. We pitched a pretty good tent here and were 
exceedingly careful to bank it up well on the sides, as previous experience 
on this particular hike had taught us that rain had no consideration for 
"pup" tents. 

Captain Langley received orders from infantry headquarters and trans- 
mitted same to the Company just before mess, in a quiet, confident manner, 
explaining that first and second platoons were to go over with the 104th 
Infantry, third and fourth platoons with the 103d Infantry. It was dark 
by this time, no lights were allowed; and to hurry up that hill, rol! up in 
the pouring rain and hurry down again to the road was enough to make a 
saint swear. But this was nothing compared with what followed, a two- 
hour wait in the rain after breaking our necks to get up and down that 
hill in a hurry. One man actually did break an arm, Scott, a real Scotch- 
man, and was sent back to the hospital. 

At 22.00 hrs. we finally got started, single file, each man holding the 
back of the pack of the man in front of him, on account of the extreme 
darkness. It was one of our most exciting hikes, as later, about midnight, 

[73] 



bombardment of the German lines commenced. The road was completely 
filled with traffic of all kinds, — machine-guns, caissons, soup-wagons, 
French and American troops; and the whole mass was hurrying along to 
get to their places in the line at the appointed time. Algerians kept cutting 
through our line, causing much confusion. The bombardment was con- 
stantly increasing in intensity. Word kept passing up to the head of our 
column to slow down the pace as the fourth platoon was lost, and a hundred 
and one incidents happening every minute caused one to wonder whether 
he was coming or going. Nevertheless we arrived somehow at 4.00 hrs. 
in the morning in a trench near the P. C. Cloche, and waited and waited 
and waited in the drizzling rain until 8.00 hrs. the next morning. 




A TYPICAL RIVER SCENE IN 
FRANCE 



[74] 




CHAPTER XII 



THE first detachment from "E" Company to work in the front line 
of the Saint-Mihiel sector was that under Corp. Howard Welch, 
which left the Company prepared to cut wire, with orders to report 
to the P. C. Cloche for further orders from the infantry headquarters 
there. Upon their arrival the party was split equally among forty infan- 
trymen, and places were designated in our wire for four parties to cut a 
lane, to allow passage by our troops in the coming attack. Through a 
quiet three hours — from 9.00 hrs. to 12.00 hrs. — the detachment worked, 
successfully completing their work as directed, and arriving back in our 
own trenches within the prescribed time. 

In the early morning, about 4.00 hrs., the Company arrived at the 
P. C. Cloche, and was there split into two sections: the first, composed 
of the first and second platoons under command of Lieutenant Wallin, 
were assigned their task with the 104th Infantry; and the second, the 
third and fourth platoons, were assigned to the 103d Infantry, under com- 
mand of Lieut. H. O. Jackson, Captain Langley being with the infantry 
during the advance as Engineer Officer. Upon reporting to the different 
infantry headquarters, a short rest was taken, and the men huddled together 
in the bottom of the trench to keep warm. The big barrage opened at 
1. 00 hr. in the morning and continued until 8.00 hrs. without let-up. 
Lieutenant Wallin's detachment left the trenches, going over with full 
packs, which, however, during the strenuous up-and-down chase in pur- 
suit of the Boche, were discarded. The Germans retired rapidly and 

[75] 



the Americans followed them all day, but numerous holdups were necessary 
because of machine-guns the Boche had left to cover his retreat. 

The French on the extreme left of the division had a rather more 
difficult advance than did the Americans, as a high hill fell to their lot to 
take and many men were lost in the effort. Their blue lines presented a 
magnificent sight as they went forward in deployed formation up the hill. 
The detachment under Lieutenant Wallin continued with the infantry to 
' the top of the last hill overlooking the great level country, where a halt 
was made and the infantry deployed, while a detail under Corporal Denner 
went into the town ahead to locate positions for a colonel's P. C. and, if 
possible, any mines or explosives left behind by the enemy. He was fol- 
lowed half an hour later by the whole force of Americans. Immediately 
the whole detail of engineers was ordered through the town to locate mines 
or explosives. Incidentally, many souvenirs were located as well as food, 
which was by this time the chief worry. Many meals were improvised 
from the variety of stores the Boche had left. One storehouse was found 
by some of our men from which they obtained a dinner of boiled potatoes, 
sausage, German hardtack (small crackers, in white bags), and plenty of 
beer. Men smoked fine cigars, but the cigarettes found were poor. During 
the stay in Saint-Maurice until the following morning the men all led the 
happy life. The few inhabitants of the place gave a welcome reception to 
our men as they entered the town. Stories were told by them of their 
good treatment by the Boche, of their strict rationing, how the Germans 
had left town September 13, 1914, after an unsuccessful attack on Troyon, 
returning shortly after to hold Saint-Maurice until September 13, 191 8. 
They had expected the Americans since the first of September. 

The detachment under Lieut. H. O. Jackson, after having reported 
to the P. C. Durant, the headquarters of Major Shumway, the commander 
of the attacking battalion of the 103d Infantry, had the opportunity to 
claim what sleep was possible for nearly an hour in the trenches. Word 
came from "F" Company 103d to follow guide to location of that Company. 
The detachment was then split. Lieutenant Jackson taking command of 
the fourth platoon and Sergeant King the third to report to "H" Com- 
pany of the same regiment. Lieutenant Jackson then proceeded to "F" 
Company. Dugouts were found, but crowded with infantry and machine- 
gunners, so the engineers were obliged to remain in the open trenches, wet 
and cold. LIpon Lieutenant Jackson's trip back to the original P. C. to 
locate lanes previously cut through the wire, he was found by Sergeants 
Bent, Ripley, and five men who had become separated from Sergeant 
King's detail. The men were arranged in the formation to go over, leaving 
their packs in a pile under guard. As shells landed in the trench to the 
right, all formations were broken up and men went over all together. 

[76] 




NO MAN'S LAND FOR FOUR YFARS, GRANDE TRANCHEE DE CALONNE 



'^ 



'■i 




THE PLAINS OF THE WOEVRE 



Wire was passed, and soon the advance was checked by heavy machine- 
gun fire and snipers. The engineers mixed with the infantry and acted as 
such at this stage and continued to do so throughout the operation, helping 
to take sixty-two prisoners and three machine-gun nests. Near noon all 
were held up again by machine-guns on Les Eparges Road in a field with 
little or no protection. 

While the majority of the now very much depleted detachment, 
some seventeen men all told, were busy picking blackberries to relieve their 
hunger, orders were received to close into contact with the right. The 
party was reformed and went ahead combing the wood before them. 
Several abandoned 88's, which a short time before had been harassing our 
advance, were passed. Suddenly the Americans opened a barrage on the 
woods which the engineers were traversing. Here Armour was shell- 
shocked and "Doc" Garrett did fine work administering first aid and 
getting the wounded out. The detail pulled back and reformed, this time 
advancing around the woods to the right to avoid stray shots. Again the 
party was formed on the opposite side, but liaison had been lost with the 
right and the 104th had not arrived on the left, allowing the machine- 
gunners still in Dommartin to keep their guns quite busy. After going 
back again and waiting an hour preparations were made for the night, 
which was spent in an old Boche trench. The first meal for the day had 
been taken from the reserve rations at 19.00 hrs. At daybreak the right 
had come into position and a start ahead was made immediately. During 
a short holdup the second meal of hardtack was eaten while a machine-gun 
nest ahead was being taken by the infantry, then the march forward was 
resumed. Orders were received to close up on the right to troops entering 
the salient from that side, and after a hike of about six kilometres the gap 
was closed about noon, the party then deploying and travelling north 
again. The edge of the wooded ridge overlooking the plain was reached 
and infantry found to be in the town directly ahead, Vieville-sous-les- 
Cotes. There the party found their sorely needed foodstuflfs as great sup- 
plies had been left behind by the Boche upon his retirement. The infantry 
pulled back to the top of the ridge and formed their line of resistance, 
but the engineers remained in the town that night enjoying a good night's 
rest, warm and comfortable, well wrapped in Boche blankets and over- 
coats, sleeping in Boche cots. 

After a good breakfast the next morning. Sergeants King and Guild 
rode into the village with a message from the Captain that no word had 
been received relieving the engineers from their work, but later a divisional 
order was received releasing the engineers from the infantry and the party 
left town for the Company, arriving at noon and enjoyed good hot coffee 
and a hot meal in Saint-Maurice. 

[78] 




AMERICAN'S IN SAINT- 
MAURICE, SEPTEMBER 13, 1918 



One of tlie striking features of the whole 
affair was the exceptional ease with which the 
great salient was taken. Many more guns were 
at hand than were actually used, and the hardest 
part of the drive was in keeping up the pursuit 
of the enemy over an exceedingly hilly country. 
One found it almost impossible to understand 
why the Boche made such comparativ^ely little 
resistance after seeing the wonderful dugouts, 
large and small, including gymnasiums, great 
kitchens, and also fine living accommodations 
with solid reinforced concrete overhead of six 
to eight feet, great double-planked doors and 
windows, lined with armor-plate one-half inch 
thick. These were situated under reverse slopes. 
Concrete trenches with concrete pill-boxes and 

observation-turrets, the mass of barbed wire to the front, and lastly the 
fine positions with their second and third lines of defence all behind long 
moraines, seemingly created there just for the purpose, gave a further 
idea of what a stiff resistance would have meant to us. 

A sight made possible from the high hills overlooking the great stretch 
of plain country which lay to the north was that of the villages burning in 
the wake of the Boche as he retired. Houses and barns were set afire and 
whole villages blazed, making indeed a spectacle. 

By the night of the 14th the whole Company was together and en- 
camped about an engineer dump in the Bois de Saint-Remy left by the 
Boche only three days before. Packs and blankets had been salvaged, 
and the next day, the 15th, was given "E" Company as a day of rest, by 
the Colonel's order. 

Work was soon started upon the main roads of the vicinity, the 
"Grande Tranchee de Calonne" being in terrible condition from both the 
shelling and heavy traffic to which it had been subjected. Many great 
holes were torn in the road by mines, rendering it impassable in some 
places. The work of repairing and at the same time keeping the traffic 
moving was carried on at all times. On the 20th and 21st the Company 
moved to Ranzieres and enjoyed baths, had clothing "decootieized" and 
were reoutfitted, all only too necessary after the hard campaigning just 
passed. 

Upon the return to the Bois de Saint-Remy, work was resumed on the 
main road, and parties were detailed to organize wire and trench work in 
the lines with the infantry. A guard was set at the "Mines," an extensive 
tunnel system through one of the great hills about four kilometres distant, 

[79] 



which had been worked by the Germans for iron during their four years' 
occupation of the country. 

Captain Langley at this time left the Company for the Engineers 
School at Langres and was succeeded in command by First Lieut. H. C. 
Drown who had recently returned to the Company from the hospital, 
recovering from a shrapnel wound received in the jam at Chateau-Thierry. 
The work was continued in all phases through a very bad stretch of weather 
with much rain, but the men were very fortunate in that they could forsake 
their hastily constructed and far from weather-proof shelters for the com- 
fortable dugouts Fritz had left, with stoves, bunks, and light, as "D" 
Company, which had been occupying a near-by area, moved to another 
part of the woods. While in the Bois de Saint-Remy we were shelled several 
times, but fortunately no casualties were suflFered. 

Heavy artillery action was evidenced to our left towards Verdun by 
the increasing intensity of the firing, so when we left the Bois de Saint-Remy 
and found ourselves on the road north, we were little surprised, having re- 
ceived the news of the American push in the Argonne Forest. The out- 
skirts of Verdun, that famous city in modern French history, proved to be 
our destination. Every day shells burst among its buildings and about 
the city. Our own regiment, although in what seemed a part of the town 
which was not likely to draw fire, suflFered casualties. Many of our men 
took the opportunity to look over the famous old city, built similar to Toul 
and Langres with its surrounding walls and great city gates. They found 
it the "dead city" of France, with absolutely no evidence of civilian popu- 
lation, houses emptied of all furniture, the only place of business in the city 
being the Y. M. C. A. and American Commissary. LTnderground, however, 
the activities which took place rather disproved what was above ground, 
as here were great bakeries which then, and had for four years, supplied 
all the French troops on that front with bread. 

It was with lighter hearts that the Company left Verdun for the 
front, in spite of a heavy rain and a twelve-kilometre hike on the night of 
the 15th of October, as news had been received that Austria and Turkey 
had quit the war and demanded an armistice regardless of terms. Arriving 
at the town of Champ, half the Company were assigned to billets, the other 
half with the wagon-train continuing the march to the town of Neuville. 



[80] 




TO" • 



■A^J'i* 



CHAPTER XIII 



THE town of Champ lay on the side of a long sweeping hill north of 
Charny, beside the canal following the river valley, the Meuse itself 
flowing through a meadow at the base of long high hills about a 
kilometre away. The town was completely destroyed, and with the excep- 
tion of very few walls, almost entirely levelled. Our homes were in dugouts, 
a few of which were very dry, but all contained a stove or fireplace and 
were fairly safe. Much firewood was at hand among the ruined houses, 
so the evenings were made very comfortable, and during the very wet and 
muddy days which followed good opportunity was afforded to dry out well. 
The roads here, as at Saint-Remy, were our problems, except that here our 
road work was to be largely reconstruction rather than repair. We were 
to rebuild a stretch of road which ran from the town over the hill to the 
bridge over the canal, and thence to the town of Marre. Work was im- 
mediately started by the entire Company, mud and stone being excavated 
to solid pan and side drains with lateral drains dug to take the drainage. 
Material was secured from the ruined houses of the town, large stone laid 
and smaller stone used as crushed rock for surfacing. This was transported 
to the work by small dump cars over a light, metre-gauge track. 

The men entered into the work with a great willingness and our road 
quickly began to take shape. It progressed very rapidly, and soon our 
cars were being hauled out to the end of the work by mules, and more track 
and cars were obtained from the French. 

EflForts were made by Lieutenant Drown to increase the "eats" and 
met with fine success. Also, through the endeavors of our new officer, Lieu- 
tenant Schlotterer, we were the recipients of much tobacco, Y. M. C. A. 
and commissary supplies, all of which lent to the general content of the 

[81] 




SECURING MATERIAL EOR ROAD, CHAMP 




HAULING MATERIAL FOR ROAU CONSTRUCTION, CHAMP 




COMPANY OFFICE, CHAMP 




THE \EW ROAD, OUR JOB, AT CHAMP 




•■HOME" FOR THIRTY MEN, CHAMP 



"MAIN STREET." CHAiMP, ON A BUSY DAY 



whole Company. Sundays were given the Company as rest days by the 
Major when it was known that other companies worked, — seemingly a 
reward for our good work. 

The active front was ahead of us here in Champ by about six kilometres, 
but Fritz managed to reach the town once in a while with his long range 
H. E. While we were working on the road late one afternoon, near dusk, 
about the time when all our planes were returning from their day's observa- 
tion, down swooped a plane towards the big American "sausage" a little 
to our left. Immediately a heavy barrage was placed in front of the balloon, 
and soon the observer left in his parachute. The Hun, displaying marked 
nerve, sailed straight through the barrage, set the balloon afire, banked 
about, and scudded away as if nothing had happened, followed, but never 
reached, by our anti-aircraft shells. It was the most courageous attack 
of its kind we ever witnessed. 

Rumors ran strong that the war was nearly over. News had come 
that Austria had surrendered unconditionally and also of the terms of the 
armistice. Our road rapidly nearcd completion, "F" Company having 
taken over the bridge end of it, working towards us. 

The 6th of November Captain Tarbell, long of the regiment, relieved 
Lieutenant Drown of his command of the Company, and the following day 
gave a short talk at evening mess, making a very favorable impression 
with all. It was regretted when it was learned that he was not to remain 
with us when we changed our location two days later. 

On the morning of the 9th sudden orders were received to move. 
Packs were rolled before mess and immediately afterwards the Company 
left Champ, hiking through Champ-Neuville, following the road to the right 
up the hill, thence along the valley to our destination, a bivouac camp, 
oflF the curve of the main road, in the woods on the side hill facing the 
enemy, opposite the ruins of the town of Beaumont. The whole regiment 
was strung along the entire stretch of road, our Company the farthest in 
advance. 

[84] 




UXE UV lilt; lilG BUYS, NKAR CHAMP 




ONCI': THE TOWN OF FORGES 




CHAPTER XIV 



THE afternoon of the arrival of the Company at their "spot in the 
road," work was begun relieving "D" and "F" Companies' detach- 
ments on the extreme end of the road towards the Boche lines. The 
whole regiment was also strung out to the rear, all engaged in this same 
work. The work itself was carried on under perhaps the worst conditions 
we had yet experienced. The battery of 75's which had been drawn up 
along the edge of our road drew a return fire — luckily high. Shrapnel 
burst above, but Fritz's range was a little too long. Gas came in consider- 
able quantity and proved our main difficulty. Wagons carrying rations 
and water into the lines were having a tough haul through a foot of heavy 
mud, making their way around the many large shell holes with difficulty, 
so the whole Company started work immediately to clear the road and 
make it passable. 

Our biggest task was the filling, by criss-crossing of heavy logs, of a 
huge mine crater, blocking the whole road at the crossroads, which was 
under direct observation of the Germans. The great hole measured nearly 
forty feet across the top and was some eighteen feet deep. Teams had 
been forced oflF the road at this place and were avoiding it by passing through 
the soft earth to the side of the road. It was at this place Fritz directed 
his greatest efi"orts to hamper our work of reconstruction, using all he had 
to hold us up, but his efforts were in vain. 

During the morning of the loth our camp location was shelled, many 
landing in the middle of the corral, killing two saddle-horses and a mule — 
the first animals we had lost in the lines. All were driven to shelter for 
about half an hour, and luckily for our wagons and kitchen the shells came 
high above the road. Much work was necessitated in keeping the traffic 
moving without lengthy stops in and out of the lines, a detail being as- 
signed to that work through the night. 

[86] 



Here Captain Tarbcll was recalled to headquarters and reliev'ed by 
Captain Mattson, one of our former lieutenants. Rumors were afloat 
stronger than ever of an armistice, and that hostilities would cease at 
eleven in the morning of the next day, all of which was hardly in keeping 
with the "Joe" that we were to go over as infantry in the early morning. 

Daylight came without unusual activity. A few troops had gone 
into the lines during the night and many, completely exhausted, had left. 
A rather pathetic incident occurred as green men marched into the lines 
the night before — the killing of a man and wounding of many, due to the 
close marching through the point near the crossroads, which was always 
liable to severe shelling. Through a dense fog the limbers of the guns already 
installed were brought up filled with shells, and more guns were dragged 
in, until the whole road for a solid kilometre was lined with 75's side by 
side with plenty of ammunition. Their muzzles all pointed over the hill 
in front of us, a sheet of ilame, like all left in hell, broke loose at 10.20 that 
morning, a terrific noise, — and the happiest one we had yet heard, as we 
learned from the gunners that firing would actually stop at eleven. A few 
of the watches may have differed, but at as near eleven as possible all 
firing ceased and absolute quiet prevailed, to be marred by only two ex- 
plosions in the afternoon when our men destroyed road obstructions ahead. 

Every one was jubilant. That our work could be continued without 
danger, that we could show ourselves anywhere and not draw a bullet, was 







COMPANY "E' 



FILLING A MINK CRATER 
[87] 



indeed hard to realize. The guns were ordered out and soon we were alone 
at our work. Automobiles carrying officers up from the rear, artillery-men 
and marines who had been operating the big guns in the rear, arrived all 
during the day and returned loaded with Boche souvenirs. Our Colonel, 
who had been in personal charge of all the road-work at this place, returned 
to our section in the afternoon, and while he was there our regimental band 
appeared, marched to the crossroads, and played within easy hearing 
distance of the Germans. The Germans made repeated attempts to cross 
our lines to fraternize, desiring cigarettes and tobacco, but our M.P.'s 
ordered them back immediately and none of our men were allowed to cross 
into their territory. 

A reconnaissance party had been detailed under Lieutenant Wallin 
to make locations as to the front and dugouts held by the 52d Brigade at 
the time of cessation of hostilities. The Boche lines were found to be 
crowded with men as they formed in column to evacuate the lines, out- 
numbering our own easily ten to one. 

That evening celebrations by the doughboys continued until late at 
night, flares and various-colored rockets shooting up from all the positions, 
illuminating the whole line for a great distance. From the height where 
we were encamped, the whole country seemed ablaze with lights, and the 
darkness behind the surrounding hills was lighted by the blaze of huge 
bonfires in the rear. Men sat about open camp-fires for the first time in 
the war, as the close of the day of days was celebrated to the utmost, upon 
the greatest battleground of the whole war. 

Our road-work was continued the next day, and souvenir hunters 
continued to come and go. Much Y. M. C. A. material was sent up for 
distribution, and we fully realized then that the war must be over, such a 
strange proceeding having been seldom experienced by us. Fireworks 
were a-plenty throughout the evening, the well-exhausted supplies of the 
night before having been replenished by salvaging. The 13th brought 
orders to move in the afternoon, and after a hike of about six kilometres. 
Bras was reached. The sight of an automobile passing at night with all 
headlights lit was quite novel to us after the long periods we had been 
without such sights. The rumor that we were to go home received its 
first jolt when a number of men were granted leaves and left the Company 
to go on seven-day furloughs, involving an absence of at least two weeks. 
Our long hike out of the lines was started, consuming ten days with halts 
overnight at each of the following towns and places along our route, Bois 
de Thierville. Bulainville, Erize-la-Brulee, Guerpont, where Lieutenants 
Drown and Schlotterer were ordered to the States — Lieutenant Drown 
saying a few words in parting and being heartily cheered by the men; 
Hevilliers, Cirfontaines, Prez-sous-Lafauche and to our destination, the 

[88] 




COMPANY "E" OFFICE ON THE VACHERAUVll.LE-FLABAS ROAD 




OUR KITCHEN 




town of Esnouveaux about nineteen 
kilometres east of Chaumont, having 
covered a distance of one hundred 
and seventy kilometres, approxi- 
mately a hundred and seven miles. 
An average day's hike had been 
about twenty kilometres, and the 
work of our cooks in giving us hot 
meals three times a day all through 

ELEVEN O'CLOCK. NOVEMBER II, 191S . , , , 

It was most commendable. 

Esnouveaux was a very prettily located town, high on a partially 
wooded hill with a part following down the slope to the street that 
was assigned to "E" Company. We were soon billeted, and the days 
following our arrival were spent in our customary manner, cleaning up — 
from ourselves to the whole town. A barrack in our area was utilized as 
a mess-hall, seats and tables were installed, kitchen placed in one end, 
muddy approaches were made dry by being paved to the street and drain- 
pits were dug to take the waste water from the wash-stand outside the 
kitchen. Similar improvements were made throughout the street and we 
were soon well situated. 

Steps were taken to reorganize the Company, new platoon sergeants 
were assigned, and the daily routine of drills and lectures soon became 
fixed, broken only by the extensive preparations made for our second 
Thanksgiving and Christmas in France. 

Our Thanksgiving was spent very quietly, due no doubt to the in- 
cessant rain that had followed us from the time 
we had entered Haute Marne. A football game 
had been planned and all had expectations of a 
big dinner, as a great supply of pies and cake 
had been baked some days previous and, as they 
lay on the tables in the mess-hall, viewed with 
complete satisfaction as a forerunner of what we 
might expect. 

The barracks had been decorated. A big 
red and white "E" was suspended from the 
roof, encircled by a large wreath of evergreen, 
adding a final touch to the profusion of mistle- 
toe and evergreens which nearly covered the 
rough boarding of the roof. 

Reveille was at eight, and after breakfast 
of cornnieal mush, bread, and coffee we were free 
to do whatever we wished. The football game 

[90] 



¥, 






.-«• 




HUN PRISONERS CARRYING 

OUT THEIR OWN WOUNDED. 

NORTH OF VERDUN 



between the two battalions at lo.oo lirs. promised excitement and many 
attended. The field was very muddy, but as the teams were quite evenly 
matched it allowed no considerable advantage to either. It was livened 
by many arguments, Lieutenant Norris of "B" Company, referee of the 
match, getting speedily "in Dutch" with the Second Battalion supporters 
by reason of numerous unjust penalties. Despite the superiority of the 
Second Battalion team, they could not score, and the game ended a tie, 
o-o, and none too soon, as shortly after the game old Jup. Pluvius got on 
the job and supplied us with rain for the rest of the day. 

Dinner was at 15.00 hrs. and was certainly the best we had ever had in 
France. The cooks well deserved the cheers they got for their efforts. 
General helpings, filling the mess-kits to overflowing, were apportioned 
of steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, turnips, creamed onions, bread, and 
coffee. Every appetite was keen, and the cooks were just in time with 
the dessert of pie, doughnuts, corn-fritters, cake, and candy, which were 
served in rapid succession. When the meal was finally finished with 
cigars and cigarettes, contributed by the officers, the day was voted a grand 
success. 

It was reported that President Wilson was to have his Christmas 
dinner with the 26th Division, but just what unit would be his host was 
largely a matter of conjecture. It was also reported that he would visit 
some town for the purpose of inspecting billets and equipment of the 
American soldiers, so from shortly after breakfast Christmas morning 
until 11.30 hrs. we spent cleaning our billets and placing equipment in 
regulation order for inspection. In event of the President stopping in our 
town to visit we were given orders to be outside the entrance of our billets 
ready to fall in at attention at a moment's notice and remain there until 
dismissed. Our high hopes fell as the minutes and hours dragged by with 
no sign of the President's coming, and at last early in the afternoon we 
were released. 

The folks at home had made it possible by their generosity for us to 
have an exceptionally good Christmas dinner. A large amount of money 
had been sent to our Colonel with the wish that it be used in the best way 
possible to give us all a real homelike Christmas. It was spent in near-by 
cities buying the many things so necessary to a good dinner. The letter 
from Mrs. Bunnell, the president of the loist Engineers Welfare Association, 
that accompanied the money, was read to the entire Company, and after 
hearing the message of good cheer, all were the more grateful and thankful 
for those dear ones at home who had so well and generously remembered 
us. 

A joking, singing, and happy crowd marched into the mess-hall at 
15.00 hrs. to the big "spread" awaiting them. Large portions of tender 

[91] 



roast turkey were served, creamy mashed potatoes, spiced "stuffing," 
creamed onions, and dark gravy, with coffee and bread was our first help- 
ing. Our mess-kits could hold no more, and splendid appetites certainly 
did assert themselves. Dessert of pie, doughnuts, hard candy, and choco- 
lates was served by the cooks, but the turkey and fixin's had taxed the 
capacities of many, so they kept the sweets for the time their stomachs 
could better accommodate them. A keg of beer had been provided, and 
the First Lieutenants, Drown, Wallin, and H. O. Jackson turned bar- 
tenders and well performed their roles, serving the "suds" in regular Dover 
Street style to the men. 

A short respite was enjoyed before a movie show at the Y. M. C. A. 
barracks upon the hill, followed by a minstrel show by the members of 
"B" Company. 

Our first snow of the winter fell that evening, so when taps blew that 
night the day resembled in two ways at least — a good dinner and snow on 
the ground — a regular New England Christmas. 




[92] 




INTERIOR OF SIDE DOOR PULLMAN ON TRIP TO MULSANNE, SKETCHED BV 

MASTER ENGR. ROBERT L. FORBUSH. IN THIS TOWN HE 

CONTRACTED THE ILLNESS WHICH PROVED FATAL 



>N -N' 





THE MARNE AT CHAMIGNY 



CHAUMONT ROAD, ROLAMPONT 



CHAPTER XV 



THE final chapter of our Company history takes us through our stages 
of preparation for home, and finally our actual arrival there. That, 
however, was long delayed in coming. After much irksome drill and 
road-work, all about the divisional area, even as far as Chaumont, 
Esnouveaux was given over to the lozd Machine-Gun Battalion early in 
January, we moving to the town of Poulangy near the main Langres- 
Chaumont Railroad line. Here, too, road-work was again taken up, but 
with better grace, as after a talk by the Colonel, all realized the importance 
of the work, and besides, who hadn't rather work than drill.'' 

For entertainment in Poulangy a series of boxing-bouts was arranged 
between the First and Second Battalions. A ring was erected, electrically 
lighted, and one night representatives of the First Battalion came over from 
their towns with a couple of truckloads of supporters. Company "E" 
was well represented in the bouts, and all "E" men showed well against 
their opponents. Dooley won his bout by a knockout, Gorton won his, 
Chisholm won his, and after a great scrap, Hugh Roberts lost the decision 
in his bout to Hutch of the Medical Corps. Organized cheering, led by 
Sergt.-Maj. Ralph Eastman, an old "E" man, lent greatly to the general 
enthusiasm, as the Second Battalion "cleaned up," and a full evening was 
thoroughly enjoyed by all. 

Word came that the Division had really been slated to go home, 
just when no one knew, but the fight to rid ourselves of friend(s) "cootie" 
began, and all looked eagerly forward to the time of leaving. Finally, 
after a month of road-work and re-equipping of the Company, we left 
Poulangy, entraining at Foulains on our first stretch towards home. 

Two days of riding in the luxurious French "Pullmans" found us at 
Eccomoy, some twenty kilometres south of Le Mans. We detrained in 
the early morning of February 2 and marched to our destination, Mulsanne, 
eight kilometres nearer to Le Mans, and upon our arrival found the town 
already occupied by troops of the Signal Battalion, necessitating our 

[94] 




READY FOR MESS. MULSANNE 



••SIDE DOOR PULLMANS" 



tramping to and resting over night in one of the near-by towns. Our 
return to Mulsanne was made the next day. We found ourselves now in 
a different country than any we had seen before, old France, and more 
like what we had expected to see upon coming across months before. Tall 
poplars lined the roads and bordered the streams through the meadow- 
lands; lone farmhouses some distance from town were noted, the scattering 
being in marked contrast to the closely settled communities of the eastern 
country, and even the ruggedness and hills which we had long been used to 
were left behind, this new country stretching away in mile after mile of 
low meadows and slightly rolling land. Just the faintest touch of New 
England seemed to be in the breath of the pine-groves which flourished in 
abundance throughout the neighboring country. Here again our old bug- 
bear had followed us and we began work on roads throughout our whole 
divisional area which were sadly in need of repair. For those details, 
working farthest away from Mulsanne, trucks were furnished for trans- 
portation, and the Company was stretched along from four to six kilo- 
metres of the main Eccomoy-le-Mans road. 

While stationed in Mulsanne, great efforts were made to give all 
men so wishing the opportunity, long sought, to see France by themselves, 
and furloughs were granted to many for the first time since we had been 
in France. 

As our time for departure for home drew near, more stress was laid 
upon our personal cleanliness, and many inspections were ordered. An- 
other battle, the fiercest of all, was waged against the "cooties," and the 
low percentage of men found infected proved us the winners. Clothes 
were ironed to kill the eggs, blankets and billets kept well disinfected by 
use of a creosote-and-water solution, and underwear was sent to a bat- 
talion laundry, to be treated there before washing. The small number of 
men, two per cent, of the entire Company, who were found by embarkation 
officers to be infested at the last inspection before sailing showed Company 
"E" at last clean. An even better showing was made by the Company 
at a field inspection of complete equipment by the same authorities. 

[95] 




SQUARE AT POULANGY 




COMPANY' OFFICE, POULANGY 




••H0MMES..40: CIIF.VA UX . S" 



Towards the latter part of our stay in Mul- 
sanne, we again lost Sergt. "Bill" Cleaves, and 
this time for good, he being transferred to Di- 
visional Headquarters, commissioned as Second 
Lieutenant, and later assigned to Company "C" 
of our regiment. Our First Sergeant — Sergeant- 
Major Buxton — was also included in the same 
order, and we were indeed glad to welcome him 
back to the regiment as an officer. 

Finally, the worry and work of inspections 
and sailing arrangements finished, on the morning 
of March 21, the march was made to the Embarka- 
tion Camp, about seven kilometres distant, and 
we entrained that afternoon for Brest, incidentally 
on our last trip in a box car. Two good hot meals were furnished us, and 
the next day we detrained at Brest and breathed freer as we looked off 
over the harbor, realizing now quite fully that we really were going 
home. 

After a good meal at the convenient and efficiently managed mess-hall 
we began the hike up over the hill to the great camp through which all troops 
must pass before finally boarding ship. Reports of conditions here had 
made our visit appear none too pleasant, but good tents with dry floors, 
real spring cots, and extra blankets helped much towards general content. 
It might have been far worse, we thought, as we lay on a comfortable set 
of springs for the first time in a long while. Duckboards kept us out of 
the mud, food was good, and had it not been for the rain and chill ac- 
companying it, all would have been serene. But we were glad to find out 
that we were not destined to stay long, nevertheless, and all ears were 
strained for news of our boat. 

Suddenly, as usual, the orders came to prepare, and on the afternoon 
of the fourth day of our stay we started "through the mill." It began with 
an inspection of equipment followed by a bath for the entire Company. 
The bath proved the feature, as few had ever bathed with quite the same 
system. At the toot of a whistle each move was made, from start to finish; 
so long to undress, so long to get to the showers and toss your underclothes 
into a huge container as you passed; so long on the first shower; so long 
with soap and kerosene; so long on second shower; then rush to the counter 
for an issue of clean underwear, socks, and a towel; then so long to dry 
and dress. Many will have to confess to being rather slow dressers, as 
more than a few leggings were wound on outside by the breathless recipient 
of Uncle Sam's latest bath. The whole procedure could scarce have taken 
fifteen minutes. 



[97] 



The noon of March 26 found us started and well on our way to the 
docks in a drizzle of rain. Luckily it cleared bright and sunny as we 
reached the water's edge and about two o'clock we filed aboard a tender 
to be taken out into the harbor to board our transport, the Mount Vernon, 
which, as we learned, was to clear at 7.30 that night. Little enthusiasm 
was shown, as we had marched the entire distance from the camp to the 
docks at "Attention" and with orders to remain quiet under any condi- 
tions, at the cost of perhaps not leaving France, a chance which few wished 
to take. We were each given by the Red Cross workers at the wharf a 
pair of knitted socks which contained chocolate ration, cigarettes, tobacco, 
and jam, and once again realized the tremendous good work which has 
been done by that organization in France. 

Soon we felt the slipping away of our tug from the wharf as we began 
our short trip out. It was then that the realization of having left France 
came as we watched the wharf disappear, and when the huge stern of the 
Mount Vernon hung over us a little later we knew that the day of days had 
actually come. After a wait of some time for a tender which had arrived 
before us to unload her troops, we drew alongside and started aboard, 
unslinging our packs in the quarters given us some five hours after we 
had slung them in the camp. 

A good meal was furnished us that evening as the Mount Vernon 
weighed anchor and we were started on the last lap for home. 




STREET I.\ liREST CAMP 



[98] 




THE MOUNT VERNON ENTERING BOSTON HARBOR 

CHAPTER X\l 

BY way of a fitting conclusion to our book, all that happened after 
our sighting of the homeland should by all means be included; hence 
this brief rehearsal of events. 

Our return trip across compared in no wise to our trip going "over 
there," except perhaps the rather crowded quarters to which we were 
assigned. Food was excellent and there was plenty of it. We ate twice a 
day in the mess-room and had besides for a noonday lunch two sandwiches 
apiece. There was little sickness, owing to much better weather, and to the 
fact that we were aboard one of the best transports in the service, the once- 
torpedoed Mount Vernon, formerly the fast mail steamer Kronprinzessin 
Cecilie, the famous German ship which eluded the British Navy and was 
interned in this country at the outbreak of the war. 

The Mount Vernon carried the vanguard of the 26th Division, the 
first troops of that Division home, and included divisional headquarters 
troop, the 104th Regiment of Infantry, loist Engineers, and, of course, 
our division commander, Maj.-Gen. Harry Hale with his staff. 

Met by a fleet of sub-chasers as we lay at rest in President Roads 
outside the harbor, awaiting high tide, we were escorted by them up the 
harbor, meeting many excursion steamers jammed with our own folks. 
News of the great welcome had reached us through the deluge of news- 

[99] 



papers sent aboard from one of the sub-chasers, and we needed no further 
courier to place us in highest anticipation of what awaited us. The first 
whistle to welcome us came from Deer Island, and from that time until the 
great liner lay at rest at her dock, a bedlam of whistles tooted their noisy 
welcome. Just a tinge of disappointment was ours, when we learned that 
no one could leave the ship before we were all to leave the next morning for 
Camp Devens; but to be really sleeping alongside good old Boston and our 
own homes was a goodly measure of satisfaction. 

In the dark of early morning, breakfast was served, packs rolled, and 
our canvas bunks taken down and packed for laundering. We marched off 
the Mount Vernon at 8.30, immediately boarding the train for Devens. 
Lining our route, people waved and shouted their welcomes, houses were 
decked with flags, and a repetition of our noisy welcome of the day before 
came from the whistles of factories and locomotives. 

In a drizzle of rain we reached Devens, unloaded from the comfortable 
day-coaches, and marched to temporary quarters in tents, to await our 
baths, physical inspection, and reassignment to permanent wooden 
barracks. 

"E" Company's turn to bathe came late at night, and the remainder 
of a cold, wet night was spent in the tents, and the next day each was given 
quarters in the buildings and a good cot bed — luxury indeed. 

Passes were granted for leaves home almost immediately, and all had 
that long-lookcd-for opportunity of seeing the folks. 

Our men from other parts of the country, who had been assigned us in 
France from replacement divisions, soon began to leave us. We all hated 
to see them go, and realized then the ending of our comradeship, — that 
we were beginning to break up, and that "E" Company was soon to be a 
thing of the past. 

After much drilling in preparation, the Division was reviewed for the 
last time by its commander, Major-General Hale, before the big parade, 
after which he was to leave for the South. 

During the afternoon of April 24th, in a drizzle of rain, in automobiles 
belonging to and driven by members of the First Motor Corps, we were 
carried from Devens to the Charles River Esplanade in Cambridge. From 
there we formed and marched to Mechanics Building, where a huge banquet 
was tendered the regiment by veteran members of the First Corps Cadets. 
After an excellent dinner, during which the men and "vets" were one, our 
beloved General Edwards gave a short address, paying tribute to the men 
and oificers of the engineers and giving due praise to our good leader. 
Colonel Bunnell. Cheers rocked the old building as he spoke. 

No less an ovation did our regimental commander receive when he 
arose to speak. Colonel Bunnell thanked all warmly for everything 

[ 10" ] 




BOAT BEARING MEMBERS OF THE lOlST EN- 
GINEERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION WHICH CAME 
DOWN THE HARBOR TO MEET US 



accomplished "over there," and 
the good support given him in all 
the work given the regiment to do. 
With great feeling he spoke of his 
love for us all, and not a man who 
heard him, and had been with the 
regiment all through, doubted. iVt 
the conclusion of his talk. Sergeant 
First Class MiUiken of "D" Com- 
pany, as representative of the men 
of the regiment, presented the 
Colonel with a "grandfather's 
clock," to be a reminder to him, through the future, of the men of the 
loist Engineers. After the Colonel's thanks and few words of apprecia- 
tion, Lieutenant-Colonel Bartlett led in three "rippers" with a "tiger" for 
the "old man." 

After marching back to the Armory, passes were issued to those 
living near Boston, and many slept at home, reporting the next morning at 
eight o'clock for the parade. 

The Division Parade, heralded as the greatest Boston had ever seen, 
was held on April 25th. Headed by our old commander, Maj.-Gen. 
Clarence R. Edwards, we marched from Charles Street, over the usual 
route: Beacon Street to Park, Boylston, Arlington, up Commonwealth 




Y. M. C. .\. LLXCII OX THE COMMON BL.luRl. I'ARADE 
[101] 



Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue and return to Berkeley; thence to 
Boylston, to Massachusetts Avenue, to Columbus Avenue, and then to the 
finish, Park Square. The march was made with light combat packs, and, 
because of the day being extremely cold, was not difficult in execution. 
High stands bordered the streets the whole distance and were jammed with 
people, presenting a great sight indeed as one looked ahead into the banks 
of faces and flags. The city outdid itself in decorations, the flag-decked 
buildings seeming to wave their welcome with as much ardor as the people. 
From Park Square, the Engineers marched to the Wentworth Institute, 
where a plentiful supper was served, and from there were taken in automo- 
biles to Devens. 

After the parade, it seemed harder than ever to stick to Devens, await- 
ing discharge, and all of us were glad when that time did come. Only a few 
days passed, but they seemed weeks, as all were anxious to get through 
with it all and get home; we'd had enough. A memorial service for our 
dead was held in the Y. M. C. A. hut at Devens the Sunday before we were 
discharged, and the Colonel again thanked the men for the fine support 
which had been given him throughout the time spent in the service. 

Our discharge from the service came on the morning of April 28th, 
"E" Company being the first company to be so honored in the regiment. 
The men came streaming down from the paymasters, faces wreathed with 
smiles and displaying a little more "pep" than usual. Hearty wishes of 
good luck and handshakes were exchanged by all, and "Finie la Guerre" 
was a reality at last. 

Long live "E" Company! 




K )ME AT LAST 



[102] 



mms^^^T:_ 










•^ » 




.. 




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WATERING IN THE MEUSE 



'THE STABLE" 



: 



"HERE'S so and so?" "Oh, down at the stable!" It was "the 
stable-men" to every one, when making reference to that body 
of men who took care of the wagons, mules, and horses, — not 
as in some other outfits, "mule-skinners," so in this brief section con- 
sideration of those men for the part of our activities which they well 
performed will be given. 

From the beginning of its existence the stable was always a great source 
of credit to the Company. Horses and mules were kept well-groomed and 
shod, wagons in good condition, all about the animals clean, and always, 
— many a time on sudden notice and any old time at all, — wagons were 
on the spot to carry out their part of our work. To be "stuck" was un- 
heard of — they always got through somehow — the resulting report being 
invariably, "No trouble." Rarely was previous notice given of coming 
inspections, but equally rarely were "E" Company's stables severely 
criticised, those inspections rather resulting in a compliment. 

The stable was in charge of Sergeant Richardson during the whole 
period of its existence beginning with the assignment of two draft horses 
in Rolampont. The first man rated was Gordon Joyce who was made 
wagoner and later blacksmith. 

With the arrival of saddle horses and our quota of mules at Sorny, 
the stable work began in earnest. Green mules had to be shod and broken 

[103] 



in which was a job of no mean proportions. The mules were swung to the 
ground to be shod and besides being a task for some five men, considerable 
risk was taken of a "regular" kick as the procedure was usually accom- 
panied by a struggle from the mules. The "breaking-in" was a feature, 
too, as the mules balked, kicked and generally refused to obey. A niglitly 
occurrence was — until a few mules got away — a rather exciting bit of enter- 
tainment as many tried to ride the green animals and few succeeded. 
Runaways were not infrequent as the old harness broke often. 

The daily trips of the all-important ration wagon to the supply depot 
in our rear were begun in Sorny and, though then only a matter of a quiet 
drive of a few kilometres each day, proved many a time during the fol- 
lowing months one of the toughest jobs of the stable. The first long haul 
was made from Amblenay-Fontcnoy to Humberville and thence to Giron- 
ville on the Toul front. 

Horses were always considered above price and to be saved at all cost, 
even life itself. At times of the Company's "standing-to" or going ahead 
in attack, the horses were always in harness at the time and preparations 
made to move oiiice and supply equipment immediately. Work in the 
lines was always directly dependent upon the delivery of the necessary 
material to our work as engineers, and trips must be made to near front- 
line positions with barbed-wire pickets, picks and shovels, sand-bags, 
lumber, or cement. On many a night the rattle and bang of a combat 
wagon as it bumped along over a road or on its passage by a wood being 
gassed or shelled by Fritz in his search for our batteries, made many of us 
consider ourselves the more fortunate that we did not have to stick to the 
roads and we could avoid such places. 

With but few exceptions, our stable has occupied the same position 
as ourselves, the only one being possibly the situation at Beaumont, when 
it was located in Mandres, which was almost as frequently shelled as our 
own town. Gas was plentiful, and masks had to be placed on all the horses 
and mules which, as can be well imagined, was no small job. 

From the time of the advance at Chateau-Thierry until the armistice, 
life was none too agreeable. The wagons followed the Company through- 
out, now losing the route of its advance, and again having the misfortune 
to have a wagon sink near hub-deep in mud, taking the eflForts of the com- 
bined crew to extricate it. Shell-torn roads combined with either shelling 
or rain created a condition not exactly most agreeable, yet they went 
through. 

At the Argonne, the first loss of any animals occurred. Picketed among 
the trees on a slope facing the Boche, a deluge of shells was poured into the 
midst of the area, killing two horses and a mule. All-day trips for water 
over an exceedingly bad road, helping to haul guns into position and truck- 

[104] 




ONE OF THE WAGONS 




THE COMPANY Bl.ACKSiMl TJrl 



ing stone and logs to the section of road needing repair were some of the 
varied duties of tlie "stable gang." 

During the long hike out of the lines to Esnouveaux, the wagons fol- 
lowed the Company, and it was there that part of the equipment was turned 
in, the remainder being turned in at Poulangy, thus finishing the work of our 
stable. And once again those wagoners and helpers joined the ranks with 
their fellows. 




GOING TO WATER 



[106] 




MAIRIE, DOULAINCOURT 

HAUTE-MARNE 



MESS LINE AND INCINERATOR, 
CAMP WENTWORTH 



"E" COMPANY DIARY 



Sept. 24. Word to leave arrived about 11.30 a.m. Entrained at Back Bay 
Yards at 12.40 a.m. 

Sept. 25. Rode in day coaches to New York. Detrained at Harlem Freight- 
Yards about noon and took boat down river to Cunard Docks, around Manhattan. 
Boarded S.S. Andania. Allotted quarters and were kept aboard. Canteen open. 
Opportunity to telegraph. "E" Company guard placed; 30 posts. 

Sept. 26. Decks cleared to leave port in early morning. Cleared at 7.00 a.m. 
bound for Halifax. 

Sept. 27. Good weather. First inspection on board. Details to different 
parts of the ship for policing. Places at boats and rafts assigned and instructions 
given. Sea very calm. Course gradually shifted to northeast. Instruction in 
manual of arms given new men each morning. 

Sept. 28. Land sighted on port side; sailing into Halifax. First evidences of 
war; guns mounted on high ground; harbor blocked by string of rafts; war-ships 
ahead signal by light flashes through thick haze. Many transports and destroyers 
passed; liner in camouflage presents strange sight. Rained in afternoon and con- 
tinued through night. 

Sept. 29. In afternoon Captain Brush held school on first part of Non-Coms 
Manual. Schools to continue. Ours the last transport to coal. Convoy steamed 
in single file down harbor. Band played all way out. Boats at docks salute by 
dipping of colors. Full moon, beautiful night. No lights visible. No smoking 
or lighting of matches on deck after dark. Must now carry life-belts at all times. 
Ten vessels in convoy. 

Sept. 30, Sunday. In afternoon Chaplain held services in mess-hall. Weather 
changed to high wind, with heavy rain in early afternoon. 

Oct. I. Stormy. "E" Company staged three boxing-bouts in quarters in 
evening. 

Oct. 3. Prevailing high wind. Heavy sea continued during da)', spray 
breaking over lower decks. Quite cold on deck. Captain held school in afternoon 
on the rifle; cleaning, etc. In evening very enjoyable concert given in dining- 
saloon, benefit Seamen's Institute, Liverpool. 

[107] 



Oct. 4. Warm day. Wind died down, but heavy roll continued. Ships now 
travelling three abreast. Had physical drill under Lieutenant Chisholm in the 
afternoon. Opportunity furnished to cable home through Cunard Company, cable 
to be sent immediately upon arrival. 

Oct. 5. Lieutenant Chisholm gave talk on explosives in afternoon. In even- 
ing, "E" Company put on "war-baby" show in mess-hall. 

Oct. 6. A'lean weather. Drizzle started in early afternoon. Wonderful effect 
produced at night by phosphorus on surface of sea. 

Oct. 7, Sunday. Joined by convoy of torpedo-boat destroyers which took 
positions on all sides. Small long boats of speedy type, American and British. 
Life-belts now worn at all times. Chaplain held services. 

Oct. 8. In afternoon crew started taking barracks-bags out of hold. 

Oct. 9. Packs rolled and bunks policed in early morning. Land sighted off 
starboard bow — Wales. Docked at Liverpool in evening after very pretty sail 
along coast. City in darkness, with searchlights playing into sky. Disembarked 
shortly after midnight and immediately entrained at dock. Each squad assigned 
to one compartment in cars, which did not afford much opportunity for sleep. 

Oct. 10. Passing at daybreak through beautiful country. Reached South- 
ampton in middle of forenoon. Marched to Rest (?) Camp on Common, about 
two miles outside city, and near Shirley. Assigned to small conical-shaped tents, 
ten men to each one. Part of I02d Infantry and many "Tommies" in camp. Had 
roll-call each day at three o'clock, and if no orders were received at that hour, were 
given leave until "Taps." City in complete darkness and few stores open. First 
chance for "feed" taken by every one. 

Oct. II. Packs rolled every morning for expected move. Many "Aussies" 
arrive at camp. Striking personalities and well liked by Americans. Among at- 
tractions in city; the trams, Bargate, parks, moving pictures. Hippodrome, salt- 
water baths, and Y. M. C. A. Hut. 

Oct. 12. Day's work consisted of policing and short drills in morning, with 
short inspections in afternoon. 

Oct. 13. Floors of tents very wet. Hiked in morning through rain. First 
stew from Company kitchen. Much appreciated. 

Oct. 14, Sunday. Many took opportunity of full afternoon off to walk 
through surrounding country. Very pretty. Australians left camp. 

Oct. 15. Rainy and cold. City still attracted many, but much time spent 
in getting acquainted. 

Oct. 16. Rained hard. Infantry left camp. Dismissed for the day. 

Oct. 17. Wet. Had inspection of equipment. 

Oct. 18. Ordered Xo fall in with packs at 11 o'clock. Issued travelling 
rations and marched to docks. Boarded small French side-wheeler La Marguerite. 
Were crowded into close quarters. Hydroplane circled over boat many times. 
On way out into Channel, saw many boats which had been torpedoed, lying in 
dry-dock for repairs. 

Oct. 19. Few able to sleep during night. Docked at Le Havre about mid- 
night, but remained aboard steamer until after daybreak. First German prisoners 

[108] 



seen in pen opposite landing. Formed on docks and immediately started on 
memorable up-grade hike, about four miles to Rest (.') Camp on summit of high 
hill. This camp considerable improvement on one at Southampton. Commanded 
fine view of entire city, mouth of Seine River and Channel. Quarters the same 
as at Southampton, but dry. German convalescent prisoners were in pen adjoin- 
ing camp grounds. British Y. M. C. A. gave a good concert in evening. 

Oct. 20. Captain gave short talk before noon mess. Word arrived to leave 
at midnight. Fell in at eleven and marched to trains. 

Oct. 2 1, Sunday. Entrained and were under wa)- before daylight. I-'asscd 
through a very pretty country, noticeably in contrast to England. Apparently 
not so well kept. Day foggy. Passed Versailles in the afternoon. 

Oct. 22. Hot coffee with rum "stick" in it served en route. Passed through 
Chaumont at 11.20 a.m., arriving at our destination, Rolampont, at 12.45. 
Marched through centre of town to Company street, where billets were assigned. 

Oct. 23. Immediately got started setting up of cook-shack and general 
cleaning-up. Set field ranges in street. 

Oct. 24. Now being issued English rations. Very slim. Good chance to 
buy food from French but nearly every one "broke." 

Oct. 25. Drills started. 

Oct. 26. Regimental parade in morning. Streets muddy from rainy weather. 
Fields about town very soft and hindered drilling. 

Oct. 27. Hike called off on account of rain. 

Oct. 28, Sunday. Chaplain preached on "Loyalty." Cooks served good 
mess at noon, best we had had since we left America. Light snowfall. 

Oct. 29. Regimental hike of about nine kilometres. Cooks moved into small 
shack on Company street. Stoves all set up inside and additional conveniences 
made. Efforts made to better living conditions. Streets cleaned and manure piles 
moved. 

Oct. 30. Company re-squadded. 

Oct. 31. Company inspection and muster by Major Estey at 10 a.m. Streets 
looking better. Big roller used to advantage. Samson had foot crushed badly by 
roller. 

Nov. I. Regiment hiked to Fort Ligneville, dated 1874—79, located on top 
of neighboring hill. First mail received in evening. 

Nov. 2. Building detail picked to construct Company storehouses near rail- 
road tracks. Hands and muscles sore after first day of excavation work. 

Nov. 3. Hike of about eight miles. More mail received. 

Nov. 4, Sunday. Rev. Mr. Boyce of the Y. M. C. A. preached at the 
morning service. Band concert in the square in afternoon. 

Nov. 5. First barrack of the four completed by "E" Company. Ceremony 
of nailing the American flag to the ridge-pole properly accompanied by vigorous 
yells. "Eco's" first triumph. Captain pleased. Drills and hikes continue through- 
out inclement weather. 

Nov. 6. Lieutenant Hadley joined Company. Another barrack started by 
detail. Drills and inspection. 

[109] 



Nov. 7. Bath for Company started. 

Nov. 8. Another barrack started in Lannes. 

Nov. 9. Rain continues. The Company Victrola arrived; to be passed to 
the different billets in town. 

Nov. 10. Drilled in rain. Company office now practically finished. Small 
back room especially good for the purpose. Work about town on streets nearing 
completion. 

Nov. II, Sunday. Rain as usual. Inauguration of setting-up exercises, by 
platoons after reveille formations. Chaplain's sermon on efficiency very good and 
interesting. 

Nov. 12. Fair day at last. Mud, rain, and wet feet every day an expecta- 
tion. Company divided into platoons, Sergeant Chisholm, first. Sergeant Day, 
second. Sergeant Cleaves, third, Sergeant Campbell, fourth. 

Nov. 13. Another beautiful day, but considerably colder. Road-work, Com- 
pany details and drill. Fields muddy. Regimental review in the afternoon. 

Nov. 14. Heavy frost. Drill continues. Hike in the afternoon. Bath-house 
completed. 

Nov. 15. Platoon drill in morning. Hard drill by the Captain in afternoon. 
Long French truck-train passed through Rolampont towards Langres. Large 
guns being transported to southern front. 

Nov. 16. Details busy in Company street and on roads. Baths taken by the 
entire Company. The first since Southampton. 

Nov. 17. Good day. Drills. Detail sent to work on rifle range. 

Nov. 18, Sunday. Fine day. Interesting service. Chaplain's text, Cowper's 
hymn, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way His Wonders to Perform." Cake for 
supper. 

Nov. 19. Bath still operating, with man assigned. Large part of Company 
on detail about Company area. 

Nov. 20. Detail and drill. 

Nov. 21. Poured rain all day. Beauchemin detail picked. Lieutenant Bate- 
man in charge. Trucks used for transportation. 

Nov. 22. Cloudy. ''0 day great and glorious," — pay-day. Were paid at 
night for September and October. Every one "broke" since arrival. 

Nov. 23. Captain Brush, Lieutenant Hadley, Lieutenant Chisholm, and 
Lieutenant Foley; Sergeants First Class King and Condit left for school at Gondre- 
court in early morning. Detail picked under Sergeant First Class Payson for 
barrack-work in Langres. Weather continues cold. Plenty of mud. 

Nov. 24. Rainy and disagreeable. Colds are prevalent. Work everywhere 
disheartening because of conditions. 

Nov. 25, Sunday. Rained all day. Church services in morning. Chaplain's 
text, "Theft." 

Nov. 26. Colder and light snowfall. 

Nov. 27. Snow, rain, and hall all day. Snow remained. Weather so bad 
that work on barracks jobs impossible. 

Nov. 28. Mean and wet. To-morrow Thanksgiving. Big preparations. 

[110] 



Forty-two big mince-pies ready. Cooks work all night. Sergeants Buxton, East- 
man, Hutcheson, and Polley return from Paris with a small fox. 

Nov. 29, Thanksgiving Day. No duties. Reveille at 8.00. Mess 8.30 and 
2.30. Football game in morning. Y. M. C. A. opened. Mean weather. Full day. 

Nov. 30. Weather bad. Remainder of Company not detailed drill. 

Dec. I. December started with poor weather. Seemed no let-up. New- 
barracks still arrive on trains. Evidently much of this kind of work ahead. 

Dec. 2, Siniday. Began a fine day. Snow in afternoon. Church services in 
the morning. Chaplain's text, "Honesty." Many passes to cities of Langres and 
Chaumont now being granted. Both mighty well worth seeing. Few had passes 
to Paris. 

Dec. 3. Detail under Sergeant Shulver left for work at Nevers. Sergeants 
Polley, Langworthy, and Litchfield with eight others from the regiment to go to 
Saint-Nazaire after Ford ambulances. 

Dec. 4. Very cold. 

Dec. 5. Detail left for Leffonds. Lieutenant Wallin in charge. 

Dec. 6. Beauchemin detail moved to that town, living in newly constructed 
barrack. 

Dec. 7. Sergeants Chisholm, Campbell, Hurter, and Cleaves return from a 
four-day furlough in Paris. Only work a wood detail at Rolampont. 

Dec. 8. Sergeant Campbell with detail left to join barrack detail at Leffonds, 
cleaning up practically all the remainder of the Company, excepting those on per- 
manent regimental details. Sergeant Hurter in charge of detail supplied whole 
regiment with wood. 

Dec. 9, Sunday. Cold, gray day. 

Dec. 12. All details paid. 

Dec. 13. Beauchemin detail to Faverolles. Saint-Nazaire detail returns 
after very successful trip with automobiles. 

Dec. 17. First heavy snow of season. 

Dec. 19. Work continues. Snow remains. 

Dec. 20. Paid for November. 

Dec. 23. Details the same. Exceptionally heavy frosts covered everything. 

Dec. 24. All details, excepting the one at Langres, received sudden word 
about 10 A.M. to return to Rolampont. Sergeant First Class King returned to 
Company. 

Dec. 25, Christmas. Snowed all day. Entire Company, excepting the few 
men at Nevers, assembled at Rolampont. Armory boxes containing Christmas 
packages opened in morning. Remainder of day taken up with details. Orders 
to move received and train loaded. Many worked practically all night. 

Dec. 26. Very cold. Left Rolampont at 3.00 p.m. Lucky to have passenger 
accommodations. Arrived Gudmont at 5.00 p.m. Late in evening had mess two 
hardtack and a cup of coffee. Known that we would not move before morning. 
Waiting-room in the depot crowded. Some found quarters in town, but many 
passed night on cars. Coldest night in France. 

Dec. 27. In the morning sudden orders given to leave train. Train pulled 

[111] 



out before all off. Later returned and pulled us over the hill to Doulaincourt. 
Many men in bad shape from exposure. Barrack-bags all carried from train-yard 
to billets. Very hospitable town and well liked by all. 

Dec. 29. Reassigned to billets and time spent in getting straightened out. 
Many men in hospital with grippe colds. 

Dec. 30, Sunday. Had the turkey for noon mess that we were supposed to 
have had on Christmas. 

Dec. 31, New Ye.ar's Eve. Watched in by a few, maybe. 

Jan. I. Detail of one hundred and fifty men to erect barracks left for Roches, 
in charge of Lieutenant Bateman. 

Jan. 2. Barracks started on side of hill above Doulaincourt. Packages and 
mail arriving more regularly. King and Condit ordered to school again, this time 
at Langres. 

Jan. 3 and 4. Weather; very cold. About 22 below Ceuitigrade. 

Jan. 5. Marks the death of Chauncey Bryant of Newton. One of the best 
of fellows and well liked by all. 

Jan. 6, Sunday. First Sergeant Buxton left for school at Gondrecourt. 

Jan. 7. Weather; milder with rain. Snow disappearing. 

Jan. 8. Many "E" men in hospital. 

Jan. 9. Roches detail went to Chantraines on same work. 

Jan. 10. Work continued on barracks job on side of hill; two platforms. 
Lawson taken very sick with spinal-meningitis. Evacuated to Chaumont. 

Jan. II. A number of suspected cases of spinal meningitis taken from Chan- 
traines and placed in quarantine at Neufchateau. 

Jan. 12. Weather remains wet and disagreeable. Life now becomes monot- 
onous. 

Jan. 13, Sunday. Rain and snow in the morning. 

Jan. 14. Fine. Rumors of a move. 

Jan. 15 and 16. Warmer with rain. Snow almost gone. Few men at Chan- 
traines placed under quarantine for spinal meningitis. 

Jan. 17. Pay-day. River and canal overflowed, flooding fields for miles. 

Jan. 18. Work continues. 

Jan. 19. Sergeant Shulver's detail returned from Nevers. 

Jan. 20, Sunday. Fair and windy. Church services in the morning; band 
concert in the afternoon. 

Jan. 21. Sun came out about noon. Very warm. An hour's drill in the 
afternoon under Lieutenant Milkowski. Much mail now being received, coming 
very regularly. 

Jan. 22. Cold and rain again. Drill all day for those at Doulaincourt. 
Orders to move received. Barrack-bags loaded at night. 

Jan. 23. Entrained early in the morning. Chantraines detail boarded the 
same train at Andelot. Detrained at Liffol-le-Grand. Marched about a mile to 
Freville, arriving about 10 a.m. Now meet the other regiments of the division. 
"Joe" busy. The sound of the guns at the front could be heard plainly at night. 

Jan. 24., Considerable time being given to cleaning and policing camp. Hard 

[112] 



drills. Very interesting to watch the infantry drill in the fields some distance 
away. Beautiful warm day and night. 

Jan. 25. Artillery practising near by made quite a racket. Many took the 
opportunity to buy lace at Liffol-le-Grand. Huge Y. M. C. A. also much enjoyed. 

Jan. 26. Drill periods lengthened. Received steel helmets, "tin derbies." 

Jan. 27, Sunday. Regimental service at 10 a.m. "B" and "C" Companies 
marched over from Bazoilles. New allotment-blanks ready. 

Jan. 28. Trench-work started at 8.00 a.m. Each company given a section 
which had to be finished in three days. Work night and day, six hours on and 
twelve off. "E" Company section very difficult on account of ledge rock. 

Jan. 29. Cold night in trenches. Lacked enough tools to cope with rock 
in abundance. 

Jan. 30. Very cold and raw. Gas-masks issued. Gas-mask and close-order 
drill in the afternoon. Trench-work called off. 

Jan. 31. Stiff drills with gas-masks. New schedule of six and a half hours' 
drill made a mighty full day. 

Feb. I. Drilled in the morning. In afternoon hiked to small shack near 
Neufchateau to have gas-masks tested with actual gas. Tear-gas used. Returned 
to Freville where entire regiment was reviewed and addressed by General Ed- 
wards. He made a very favorable impression. An interesting speaker and a fine, 
straightforward type of man. 

Feb. 2. Fifth fair day. Inspection of all government property in the morn- 
ing. Afternoon on rifle range. 

Feb. 3, Sunday. Another fine day. Services at Bazoilles. Short haircuts 
for all a regimental order. 

Feb. 4. Last chance to mail letters. 

Feb. 5. Drilled in the morning. Barrack-bags shipped in the afternoon. 
All 26th Division on way to the front. Spirits high. 

Feb. 6. Drill and a cross-country hike in heavy marching order under Lieu- 
tenant Mattson in the morning. 

Feb. 7. Most fatiguing two hours' drill with heavy packs in the morning. 
Iron rations issued. 

Feb. 8. Entrained at Liffol-le-Grand. 

Feb. 9. Arrived in the much battered city of Soissons about 9 a.m. De- 
trained immediately and started on the hike of hikes to Cuffies. Billeting detail 
sent ahead to destination at the front. Remained at Cuffies overnight. Some 
visited Soissons. 

Feb. 10, Sunday. A day off. More visited Soissons and many the old Ger- 
man dugouts in the neighboring hills. Left at dusk for Sorny, which we reached 
at 8.30. Assigned to various caves as quarters. 

Feb. II. Entire Company on detail work. Field ranges set up. Dugouts 
policed. 

Feb. 12. Real details begun. Practically whole Companv on near-by roads, 
both new and old, quarrying, laying, and patrolling. French observation-balloon 
shot down by a Boche plane. Pretty piece of work. 

[113] 



Feb. 13. Details at work building up camp; office for the top-sergeant, 
slielter for cook-shack, officers' mess-room, and bath-house. Large-calibre French 
gun on opposite hill burst, killing two and wounding seven. Boche shelled light 
railway and engineer dump. 

Feb. 14. Details continued. Quiet all along the front. 

Feb. 15. Captain Brush leaves Company. Night active. Many Boche planes 
passed overhead towards Soissons. Searchlights and anti-aircraft guns busy. 

Feb. 16. Work the same. Sketching detail started mapping our sector. 

Feb. 17, Sunday. Hurry-up call for gas curtains. Much activity in the air, 
two planes brought down near by. 

Feb. 18. Detail on road camouflage started work. Another detail also 
started repair of main communication-trench, "Bayou des Singes," to "Monkey 
Hill." 

Feb. 19-20. Details same. Quiet along the front. 

Feb. 21, 22, 23. Road-work now brings the men nearer the front line and 
they now know how it feels to have a shell come over and break near by. Men 
also shelled while at work in the trenches. 

Feb. 24, Siinday. Ball game down in the valley between two teams from 
Company. 

Feb. 25. Mr. Barber of the Y. M. C. A. arrived. Gillman detailed to help 
him. Practically all details in camp completed. Detail under Lieutenant Wallin 
started tunnelling road crossing over "Bayou des Singes" (monkey trench). 

Feb. 26. Balloon in rear of Sorny attacked. Germans try to reach it with 
artillery and failing send over an aviator who forced it down. Observers jumped, 
landed with parachute near by. Cooks serve dinner intended for Washington's 
Birthday, — a good feed. 

Feb. 27. Working details the same. Task system adopted on trench detail. 
A long walk now to work. Mail being received quite regularly. 

Feb. 28. First big barrage sent over to cover raid by Americans. 

Mar. I. Snowed. 

Mar. 2. Cold and windy. Snowed all morning. 

Mar. 3, Sunday. Regular gas-mask inspection. Chaplain held service in 
Y. M. C. A. Cave. Paid in the evening. 

Mar. 4. Cold with snow and rain. All details at work. First Lieutenant 
H. C. Drown joined Company, being transferred from "F" Company. 

Mar. 5. Weather cleared in the afternoon. Warmer. Tunnel under road 
nearing completion. Trench-work advancing rapidly. Everything from "duds" 
and grenades to dead men being unearthed on "Monkey Hill." 

Mar. 6. Men working on trench see French engineers at work excavating 
entrances of railroad tunnels blown up by Boche in last retreat. Fine day. Ser- 
geants' meetings inaugurated by Lieutenant Mattson. Quiet along the front. 

Mar. 7. Springlike day. Mail received. 

Mar. 8. Trench detail got first gas. An air fight over "Monkey Hill." 
Boche executed the "falling leaf" and escaped. Y. Kl. C. A. now in full swing. 
Excavation of tunnel completed. Revetting started. Air-raids during night. 

[114] 



Mar. 9. Promise of "Blue Envelopes" soon. 

Mar. 10, Sunday. Almost the entire Company worked in trenches as punish- 
ment for eating or losing their reserve rations. "Matty" refused to blame the 
rats. Torrey works (.'). 

Mar. II. Beautiful weather. More mail to-day. Much activity, especially 
in the air. 

Mar. 12. Revetting on tunnel, road-work and trench details as usual. Many 
air raids. Privates trimmed the non-com's 13 to 3 in a ball game. 

Mar. 13. Another ball game between the same teams. Privates won 8 to 5. 
Issued 55 more rounds of ammunition, making 100 rounds now carried. 

Mar. 14. Work on trenches finished. Started laying duckboards. Squad 
rolls made up before work. 

Mar. 15. Mail received. French now taking over sector. New guns placed 
and many troops arriving. Squad-rolls shipped. No more mail accepted. 

Alar. 16. Colonel came to camp. Blue envelopes create fireworks. French 
put over a barrage at night. Great sight. 

Mar. 17, Sunday. Complete inspection. Baseball game with the 104th In- 
fantry in afternoon. "E" Company won 18 to 8. Played a tie game of soccer with 
French soldiers 2-2. Shulver gets the wrong ankle pulled. 

Mar. 18. Still laying duckboards in trenches. Detail worked on Neuville 
road. Rubber boots and 95 rounds of ammunition collected. Fireworks and 
barrages of bread-crusts and tin cans in No. i now a nightly occurrence. Payson 
sleeps (.')• Does Richardson? 

Mar. 19. Rained. Work continued as usual. Lieutenant Drown sick; evac- 
uated to regimental headquarters. Turned in another blanket, leaving only one. 

Mar. 20. Artillery fire in the morning; growing more intense. No work de- 
tails, the whole town had to be policed. 

Mar. 21. Left Sorny at 6.00 a.m., arriving at Soissons at 10.00. Quartered 
in old abbey. Boche shells dropping in city, railroad station and bridge being ob- 
jectives. At night, Boche planes passed over city. All ordered in the cave below 
for two hours and a half. Three companies and many of French populace. Big 
raid on Paris. 

Mar. 22. Arrangements made to move. Detail from each company sent 
ahead with baggage. Left Soissons shortly after noon and hiked nine kilos to 
entraining point, Amblenay-Fontenoy. Cold nights. Airplanes active. 

Mar. 23. Entrained at 5.00 a.m. Crowded into box cars. Rode all day. 

Mar. 24, Sunday. Arrived at Brienne-le-Chateau about midnight. Detrained 
and hiked to Crespy, six kilos. Billeted in barns at 3.30 a.m. Told we could 
sleep until 1. 00 p.m. Hiked to Morvilliers, where again billeted. Band concert 
in the evening. 

Mar. 25. Ten-kilo hike. Mor\-illiers to Soulains. 

Mar. 26. Left Soulains for Colombey; twenty-two-kilo hike. Great record 
by Company. Not a man had fallen out. Major Chase enthusiastic over showing. 
"Matty" leads three for the Colonel. Word received that destination must be 
reached, HumberviUe thirty kilos away, the next day. Transportation furnished 

[ll.S] 



for about one-half the Company. Left at 9.30. Remainder of Company rested 
over night for the big hike. 

Alar. 27. No big hike. Trucks arrived and remainder of Company also 
rode to Rest (.') Camp at Humberville. First Sergeant Buxton and others re- 
joined Company. 

Mar. 28. Inspection of all equipment; dismissed for the rest of the day. 

Mar. 29. Heavy rain all day. Orders received to leave next day. Sonw rest. 

Mar. 30. An all-day ride on motor-trucks to Vignot, where we were billeted 
for the night. Passed through Boucq and Neufchateau. 

Mar. 31, Easter Sunday. Six-kilo hike to Gironville. Billets in barns and 
unoccupied dwellings. All able to procure bunks. 

Apr. I. In first sector of lines held entirely by Americans and under Ameri- 
can direction. Mail again accepted. 

Apr. 2-3. Front very quiet. Details at work about camp. Dugouts in bad 
condition; water and rotten timbers. 

Apr. 4-5. No work. Inspection of all equipment. Wagon train arrived. 

Apr. 6—7. Work on dugouts continued. Americans sending over plenty of 
shells every morning. 

Apr. 8. Started staking for second-line wire. 

Apr. 9. Alarm called at 3.30 a.m. Company assembled quickly. Boche 
was expected to make attack at four. Received no further orders, so were dis- 
missed and slept the remainder of the night with clothes on. Barbed-wire en- 
tanglement work on second line started. Ed. Wilson of Company "C," former 
member of Company "E," killed. Be prepared for Boche again to-night. 

Apr. ID— II. Practically whole Company on wire work. Dugout for brigade 
headquarters well under way. Corporal Kearns in charge. 

Apr. 12. "Jam" at Apremont. American shells break in Boche lines all day. 
Wonderful sights. Kitchen fed twenty-four German prisoners in the evening; one 
hundred and eighty-seven captured by Americans. 

Apr. 13. Strenuous period for the 104th. Sector about Apremont much 
alive. Infantry action receives great backing by our artillery. Plans started for 
P.C. near Fort Gironville. 

Apr. 14, Sunday. Paid. Various inspections. Had Jewish bread for 
rations. 

Apr. 15. Work continues. Lieutenant Wallin, Sergeant Cleaves, and Corpo- 
ral Denner on night work with the infantry. O'Neil captured an escaped German 
prisoner. 

Apr. 16. New warrants announced. "Joe" now busy with rumor of 26th 
going home. Best one yet. 

Apr. 17. Mean day. Mail received. Dentist at Company. 

Apr. 18. Company divided into platoons; three platoons instead of four. 

Apr. 19. Started barracks for artillery on side of hill near Vignot. 

Apr. 20. Entertainment by Company talent. Songs by Nimons. Coffee 
and dates served for refreshments. "Nigger" Stuart "preaches" on "Why We Are 
Going Home." 

[116] 



Apr. 21, 22, 23. Work on barracks continues. Officers betting on the rumor. 

Apr. 24. First barrack at artillery camp erected. 

Apr. 25. List of those entitled to wear first-service chevron announced. 

Apr. 26. Sergeants Campbell and Hurter and Corporals Langworthy and 
Martin detailed to Boncourt to supervise work on artillery emplacements and dug- 
outs. ''Tough job." Second barrack completed. Erected in less time than the 
first. 

Apr. 27-28. Details same. Third barrack finished. Best time of all in 
erecting. 

Apr. 29. Rumor that 26th going home at full height. Why shouldn't we.' 

Apr. 30. Germans made big attack on Seicheprey. Large number being 
given passes to Commercy. 

May I. Wire detail of ninety-three men organized by Lieutenant Foley. 

May 2, 3, 4. Beautiful days. Wire details doing good work. 

May 5, Sunday. Chaplain of the 104th spoke in big theatre billet. Night 
detail of one hundred men worked on new front-line trench at Apremont. Terrific 
thunder-shower. 

Alay 6. Fair. Expecting to move. "Joe" buried with full honors, ''Scotty" 
Nivens and Torrey as stretcher-bearers. Parade of all those interested. 

May 7. First detail left for Sanzey, Lieutenant Wallin in charge, to work 
the army corps dump at Leonval. 

May 8. Heavy rain. Remainder of Company left Gironville in trucks 
for Menil-la-Tour. Billeted in beautiful big barn with the rest of the "animals." 

May 9. Assigned bunks in Adrian barracks. Much policing necessary. 
More men sent to Sanzey detail. Y. M. C. A. actually breathes in this town. 

May 10. Details handled as two different companies. Work started immedi- 
ately. Material unloaded from standard-gauge for shipment on narrow-gauge to 
front-line dumps. Leonval dump enlarged. Salvation Army hut in both towns. 
Our ''nickels on the drum" after this ! S. A. for ours ! 

IMay II. Rained at night. 

May 12, Stinday, Mother's Day. Boncourt "laborers" returned to Menil- 
la-Tour. 




BARRACKS AT FRfiVILLE 



[117] 



May 13. "Joe Latrine," of great happenings on this day, failed to mate- 
rialize. "Boncourt boys" sent to work at Leonval. 

May 20. Fine weather. Air activity. Entire Company takes "cootie" 
baths. Began to get the benefit of many of the good things wished for us by those 
at home. Boxing and music at Menil-la-Tour. Sam Weiner boxed. 

May 21. Captain Langley joined Company. Practice game of ball in back 
of Salvation Army barrack. Men now getting passes to Toul. 

May 22. Detail under Corporal Welch left to prepare for raid with infantry. 

May 23. Elsie Janis sang and danced at Menil-la-Tour. "Heron Sisters" 
gave entertainment at Sanzey. 

May 25. Sanzey detail moved to Leonval. Billeted in corrugated barracks 
adjoining dump. 

May 26, Sunday. Defeated by "B" Company, loist M. G., in ball game. 
First game on new diamond, thanks to Sergeant Richardson and Corporal Guild. 

May 27. Men detailed to Boucq to assist Corporal Welch in making bombs, 
etc., for big raid. 

May 28. "E" Company's Birthday. Leonval detail to Menil-la-Tour. 
Ball game between two details. Good feed and a fine show by Company talent in 
the evening. Regular day! 

May 29. Company paid. Gas-masks tested in chamber. Bill Nimons has 
a "good time." 

May 30. Day off. Baths. The big raid successfully made near Seiche- 
prey. Infantry brought back the "Million-Dollar Kid." 

May 31. Detonator thrown on fire at Leonval wounded Collins and Grant. 

June I. "Pop" Foley reported badly gassed. Four new sergeants appointed. 

June 2, 3, 4. Rumors of another move. 

June 5. Leonval detail left in the evening for Beaumont. Menil-la-Tour 
detail rode aboard narrow-gauge train as far as Mandres, through kindness of 21st 
Engineers. Wagons unloaded and men billeted. Largest part of Company billeted 
in town. Remainder in dugouts on side of and under road to Rambucourt, near 
batteries. Dugouts crowded and ventilation poor. Few buildings in town still 
standing. 

June 6. Day spent in getting settled and looking over work to be done. 
Henry Miasek wounded in leg by fragment of gas-shell. 

June 7. Two gas alarms during day. Nothing serious. Company called to 
"stand-to" at night. Told to dress and await orders. Germans were expected 
to attack at dawn. 

June 8. No attack. Americans put over heavy barrage at daybreak, 
breaking it up. Lively sector so far. Started work on P.C.'s and Pill Box in 
Seicheprey. 

June 9, Sunday. Work details as usual. New bath-house being installed. 
Boche hit ammunition-dump in town shortly after dark. Some fireworks! Welch, 
Holt, and Porter sent to hospital from effects of gas received in the big raid. Big 
infantry detail working on wire under direction of the engineers. 

June ID. Sergeant Buxton asked for volunteers to put out fire in dump. 

[118] 



Fire extinguisheei in adjoining house, but work on dump itself too dangerous. 
Douglas and Hyberts wounded by bursting hand-grenade. Three-day trench 
fever prevalent. 

June II. Ordered again to "stand-to" at midnight. Heavy American bar- 
rage in early morning. Turned in French gas-masks. Too many shells for soccer. 

June 12. Town bombarded, shells landing near Chateau. 

June 13. Shelling continues, work also. Germans drop propaganda from 
planes. 

June 14. Located trenches where we were to stand-to. Captain Langley, 
Corporals Johnson and Schau performed hazardous task of blowing up Minen- 
werfer shells. 

June 15. Shelling at intervals. Lieutenant Drown rejoined Company. 
Boche came over at Xivray. Were stopped and piled on top of wire by machine- 
gunners. 

June 16, Sunday. Day of the big "strafing." Shelling began at 3 a.m. 
Worst taste of hell ever. Sergeants Buxton and Moody, Privates Watson and 
Briggs, all seriously wounded. Lasser killed by concussion. J. C. Hanson and 
"Scotty" Niven shell-shocked. New bath-house, nearly completed, smashed. 

June 17. Germans shelling our back areas. 

June 18. Word received that Fred W'atson had died of his wounds. Messen- 
ger arrived, and detail of volunteers hurried off to dig out five men who had been 
buried in their dugout by a Boche shell. Two dead when recovered. Dangerous 
place to work and many men who had volunteered for the work were ordered 
back to Company by Captain Langley. 

June 19. Americans gassed Germans. All details called in from trenches. 

June 20. "Pop" T^oley rejoined Company from hospital. 

June 21. Officers of new division look over area. 

June 22. Rained in the morning. Mail received. 

June 23, Sunday. Every one ordered under cover after 6.15 p.m. Bom- 
bardment by Huns expected. Nothing happened. 

June 24, 25. Weather fine. Repairs on bath-house finished. 

June 26. Day spent in preparation for move. Relieved by 82d Division. 
Started soon after dark on thirteen-kilometre hike to Menil-la-Tour. Crossed 
field to Mandres squad by squad at intervals. Tough hike and little rest. Billeted 
in barn. 

June 27. Rested all morning. In the afternoon hiked to Choloy. Billeted. 
During the night aeroplanes attacked the town and near-by aerodrome. Dropped 
big bombs close to us. Rather a hardship after a hard hike. 

June 28, 29, 30. Remained at Choloy. Good chance to clean up and rest. 
All needed it badly. Many visited ammunition-factory at Foug; large number 
of girls employed. 

July I. Orders to move. Loading details sent ahead. Twelve-kilometre 
hike to Pagny. Entrained. 

Julv 2. En route. Train carried us to within seven kilometres of Paris, 
but immediatelv pulled out on another line. Many houses in suburbs decorated 

[119] 



with American flags. Detrained at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre and hiked to town of 
Chamigny. Another hilce to Ferme la Rouge. Slept in "pup" tents in the woods 
near by. Chateau-Thierry ahead. 

July 3. Company moved back to Chamigny on the Marne River. Town 
in good condition. Recently evacuated, few inhabitants remaining. Billeted in 
"pup" tents. Many bathed in Marne. Boom of guns very plain in the distance. 
Shells landed in town about five kilometres ahead. 

July 4, 5, 6. Remained at Chamigny. Very quiet. Civilians wearing gas- 
masks. 

July 7. Left Chamigny at 10 p.m. Hiked eighteen kilometres to woods 
beyond Montreuil, "Bois de Grosjean," relieving the 2d Engineers. Unslung packs 
and went to sleep — our first bivouac. Master Engineer Dorman attached to third 
platoon. 

July 8. Area in woods assigned to each company. Some picked out holes 
for shelter and others dug new ones and pitched "pup" tents. Regimental P.C. 
started. 

July 9. Noticeable superiority of American artillery in sector. Guide wires 
were strung along paths in woods. Details began work of winding wire on bobbins 
and making Ribard wire defences for use in the lines. 

July 10. Mail received. 

July II. Rainy; pretty tough sleeping. 

July 12. Still raining. Replacements arrived; also much mail. 

July 13. Rained hard in afternoon. 

July 14. Entire Company to drive stakes for wire entanglements. Rained 
very hard and detail not sent out by Major. 

July 15. Whole Second Battalion, Major Greenway in command, left with 
full packs to stand-to in third line, then but a trace. Ordered to dig in and prepare 
to stay if necessary. Shift of Company several times. Boche drive expected. 
Shells landed close; much mustard and phosgene gas. Millett shell-shocked. 
"Doc" Beal, attached to "E" Company, gassed. "F" Company in bad position; 
many casualties. No attack; started back to camp. 

July 16. Major Greenway, Captain Swan, Captain Brush, and Sergeant 
Denner taped out stretch of 2^ miles of wire on first line of resistance in broad 
daylight and in full view of enemy. "D" and "E" Companies detailed to put up 
wire. Haskell hit by one-pounder while on way to lines. Much shelling. Con- 
siderable confusion in work. "D" Company man killed. Much gas encountered 
en route to work outside La Voie-du-Chatel. 

July 17. Detail arrived back at camp at 3.30. Coffee and sandwiches 
served. Reconnaissance party spent afternoon searching for safer route to work. 
Men detailed to move tools from ravine to main road. Man recently gained 
from replacement, Private Pfrimmer, wounded. At night detail of sixty-four men 
under Lieutenant Drown left in trucks to co-operate in movement with infantry. 

July 18. Corporal Fogg, Goodearl, and Cole killed; many wounded. Attack 
a success. 

July 19. Detail of seventy-four men under Lieutenant Alattson and Master 

[120] 



Engineer Dorman, accompanied by Captain Langley, left on trucivs for lines. Rode 
by trucics to outskirts of Lucy; then proceeded to Belieau. Captain ordered baclc. 

July 20. Crosses placed on graves of Goodearl and Cole by volunteer detail. 
Lieutenant Mattson slightly wounded. Captain left in middle of night to take 
command of the detail. 

July 21. Lieutenant Jackson, Sergeant Chisholm, and Sergeant Cleaves re- 
turn to Company. Remainder of Company under Lieutenant Wallin moved to 
Torcy. Repaired road mined and shelled by Boche. Troops of all branches mov- 
ing up; roads congested. Bivouacked for the night. 

July 22. Men at Torcy busy repairing roads and burying the dead at night. 
Orders received and command, now under Lieutenant Mattson, moved forward 
twelve kilometres. Forced march. 

July 23. Whole Company "Over the Top." 

July 24. At night Company withdrawn from lines to work on roads. Worked 
all night. Awful odor from the dead. 

July 25. French cavalry passed going in to attack. Frequent air-flights. 
Shelled during night. 

July 26. Worked on roads all night; bridges, culverts, and shell-holes. 
Much Boche equipment left behind. 

July 27. Salvage detail at work under Sergeant Eastman. Many Boche 
prisoners passing to the rear. Infantry relieved. 

July 28. Tearing down houses in Epieds to build bridge across the river for 
the artillery. 

July 29. Rested all morning. Moved at 1.30 to camp in Beuvardes Woods. 
Boche using captured French planes. Artillery fire intense. Heavy traffic of all 
kinds on roads. 

July 30. Whole Company continues work on roads. Bridge blown up by 
Boche repaired. Shell landed in front of Lieutenant-Colonel's car as he was 
coming down road to inspect our work. 

July 31. Another bridge repaired. Intense artillery action. Many guns 
moving into sector. 26th all coming out of lines; 42d relieving. 

Aug. I. Day of rest. Woods full of artillery and anti-aircraft guns. Boche 
planes coming over frequently. Germans seek our guns with their artillery. Shells 
landed close. 

Aug. 2. Rained. Entire Second Battalion buried dead; many Bavarians 
and horses and mules also buried; many sick from the work. 

Aug. 3. Left woods at 9 .a.m. for Chateau-Thierry. Passed enormous gun 
emplacement which had been location of gun which had been used to fire on Paris. 
Chateau-Thierry badly shattered. About two hundred civilians there during Ger- 
man occupation. Billeted in large hospital; before the war an old convent. 

Aug. 4. Twenty-two-kilometre hike to Nanteuil; mess at noon outside 
Charly. Billeted. 

Aug. 5. One year in Federal service. Day spent cleaning new billets and 
rest (.'). 

Aug. 6. Company "decooterized" and new clothing obtained. 

[(121 ] 



Aug. 7. Daily drill started. "No rest for the weary." Good show in even- 
ing by Y. D. amateurs. 

Aug. 8. Regimental review. Lieutenant Mattson appointed Captain and 
First Battalion Adjutant. 

Aug. 9. Rehearsed regimental parade. Parade in the afternoon. Hurter 
made Sergeant First Class; Dreger, Mess Sergeant; and Hutcheson returned to 
ranks as Senior Duty Sergeant. 

Aug. 10, II, 12, 13. Hard drills in hot weather. Many men given twenty- 
four-hour passes to Paris. 

Aug. 14. Left Nanteuil in afternoon and hiked twenty-two kilometres to 
entraining-point just outside Chateau-Thierry. 

Aug. 15. Entrained at 3 a.m. Fine day and enjoyed ride through the beauti- 
ful Marne Valley. Detrained at Chatillon-sur-Seine and after waiting around until 
midnight hiked to field outside town and pitched tents. Visited by Sergeants King 
and Condit, members of Company attached to school at Chatillon. 

Aug. 16. Hiked to Nod; cleanest town yet. Platoons billeted in large tile- 
factory on Seine. No need of gas-masks or shading windows at night. Teams 
unloaded for the first time since at Beaumont. 

Aug. 17. Drill. Sergeant King returned to Company. 

Aug. 18, Sunday. Sergeant Priestley, the Company's clever "linguist" and 
slam-bang artist,, left for home. Ball game with "F" Company. "F" Company 
won 2-0. 

Aug. 19. Extra drill for non-com's between 4 and 5. Did they need it? 
Oh, no! 

Aug. 20, 21, 22. Very busy schedule; no rest camp. Company "decooter- 
ized." Opportunity for bathing in Seine. 

Aug. 23. Battalion manceuvres under our old Major; now Lieutenant- 
Colonel of loist Infantry. More replacements received, landed July 12. 

Aug. 24. Drills. 

Aug. 25, Sunday. Service by Chaplain. Played ball against "B" Company 
at Aisey; "B" won. Evening parade. "E" Company made fine showing. 

Aug. 26, 27, 28. Colonel has officers' drill after parade. Dramatic, to say 
the least! Sergeant Buxton back with Company, also Sergeant Francis, Corporal 
Welch, Dudley, MacMillan, Colaluce, and Ramponi. Many more replacements. 

Aug. 29. Target practice. Company re-squadded. Y. M. C. A. entertain- 
ment. 

Aug. 30. Started at 6 p.m. on hike to Chatillon, thirteen kilometres. En- 
trained. 

Aug. 31. Detrained at Tronville; hiked to woods about a kilometre distant 
and pitched tents. Orders to move received at 10 p.m. Packs rolled and regiment 
moves on. 

Sept. I, Sunday. After an all-night hike on a slippery road arrived at the 
Bois de Ginevre. In the afternoon Chaplain spoke forcibly on "Fear." 

Sept. 2. Another all-night hike to woods near Pierrefitte. 

[122] 



Sept. 3, 4. Rested. Master Engineer Dorman commissioned Second Lieu- 
tenant. A well-earned promotion. 

Sept. 5. Packs rolled and at 11 p.m. regiment left woods in heavy marching 
order. 

Sept. 6. Marched all night, arriving in woods outside Boquemont at 5.15 
A.M. A tough hike. Many stops due to congestion of traffic. 

Sept. 7. Another all-night hike. Passed through Rupt about 4.30 a.m. and 
ascended steep hill to Bois des Trois Monts, where we pitched "pup" tents. 

Sept. 8, 9. Rained hard during both nights. Men ordered to keep under 
cover during daylight. 

Sept. 10. No mess at noon; heavy rain put out fires. First Sergeant Buxton 
made Sergeant Major of Second Battalion. Corporal Crosby returned to Com- 
pany. 

Sept. II. Left at 4 p.m. for a woods about two kilometres nearer the front. 
Pitched tents. After mess ordered to roll packs again and at 10 p.m. were on our 
way to the first-line trenches. Many troops of all branches on the move. A most 
miserable night; cold, dark, and rainy. 

Sept. 12. Company divided at the P.C. Clothe, one-half to go over with 
the 103d and the other half with the 104th. Barrage started at i a.m. "A," "B," 
"D," and "F" at work on roads. 

Sept. 13. Most of the Company at Saint-Maurice, a town which had been 
occupied by the Germans exactly four years. Attack a wonderful success. Many 
prisoners taken. Much abandoned food and beer. Boys had a good time. 

Sept. 14. Detachment under Lieutenant Jackson joined Company at Saint- 
Maurice and Company then marched back to engineer dump in the Bois Saint- 
Remy, three days ago in the hands of Germans. 

Sept. 15, Sunday. Colonel gave "E" Company the day off. f-f'ray!!! 

Sept. 16. Paid. Lieutenant Drown rejoins Company. Started work on 
roads, which were in terrible condition. 

Sept. 17. Sergeant Condit back on visit of observation. Enormous German 
concrete dugouts near by. Worked on the "Grande Tranchee Calonne." Sergeant 
Ripley in charge of small dump on road to Vaux. 

Sept. 18, 19. Battery "A," 103d Field Artillery, firing from position very 
near us. 

Sept. 20. Company went to Ranzieres for cootie baths. 

Sept. 21. Company "decooterized" at Ambly. Band-concerts in the evening. 

Sept. 22, Sunday. Day off. Service by Chaplain in the evening. 

Sept. 23. Rained. Returned to Bois Saint-Remy. Men spent day fixing up 
places to sleep. Private Cleveland rejoined Company. Artillery active during the 
night. 

Sept. 24. One year ago we left Boston. Fresh meat at last ! Boche shelled 
near-by town intermittently all day. Lieutenant Schlotterer assigned to Company. 

Sept. 25. Work on road continues. Captain Langley and Sergeant Ripley 
left for school. Lieutenant Drown in command of Company. 

Sept. 26. Heavy barrage to the north, towards Verdun, in the morning. 

[123] 



Sept. 27. Rainy and disagreeable. Lieutenant Wallin took out detail of 
sergeants and corporals to take charge of infantry in work on trenches. Lieutenant 
Schlotterer assigned to third platoon. 

Sept. 28. Company worked on road in the rain all day. 

Sept. 29, Sunday. Commissary truck arrives. 

Sept. 30. Work continues on road. Clear, cold night. 

Oct. I. Lieutenant H. O. Jackson left Company to take up duties as Sec- 
ond Battalion Adjutant. 

Oct. 2. Heavy firing on our left in the early morning. Company "D" 
leaves woods for another location. "E" Company made comfortable in former 
German dugouts in vicinity. 

Oct. 3. Good weather. Camp shelled at 2.10 a.m. "D" Company's kitchen 
hit; somebody's sleeping-quarters blown up into a tree. Mintz loses fingers in- 
vestigating a grenade. 

Oct. 4, 5. Work continues. 

Oct. 6, Sunday. Time set back an hour at midnight. Day off. Plenty of 
blackberries in woods about camp. Corporals Allen and Welch made Sergeants. 
Sergeants Thomas and Watson, Privates Frenier and Adams, back from hospital. 

Oct. 7, 8. Rainy. Little activity at front. Road-work continues. 

Oct. 9. Heavy frost. Paid at noon. Planes overhead at night. 

Oct. ID. Strong smell of mustard-gas in woods during morning. Packs 
rolled after noon mess. Left camp at 5.30, passing through Vau,\ and Ranzieres 
and pitching tents at 9.30 on hillside near Genicourt. 

Oct. II. Messed late. Many made fires and roasted potatoes gotten from 
fields near by. On our way again at 6 p.m. After a long hike at an exceedingly 
stiff pace reached outskirts of Verdun at 11.30 p.m. Billeted in partly demolished 
houses. A few shells came over us into city. 

Oct. 12. Many from regiment visited famous city of Verdun. City shelled 
at intervals. 

Oct. 13. Regiment was assembled for services by the Chaplain at 10.30 in 
a large shed. No shells landed in city all day or last night. French say it was 
the first day in four years that the city had not been shelled. Good news received 
that Turkey and Austria had quit. Rumors of an armistice. 

Oct. 14. All rumors of peace shattered by shells landing all about our Com- 
pany area. Long-range rifle firing from our right. 

Oct. 15. Overcoats issued. Left at 7.30 in evening and hiked through rain 
and mud to our destination, the town of Champ, ten kilometres ahead. Not 
enough dugouts for all, and part of the Company with the wagon-train moved on 
to Champ-Neuville. 

Oct. 16. Rained. Day spent in cleaning up and fixing dugouts. Occupants 
listed. 

Oct. 17. Started work on the road leading back to bridgehead. Road had 
to be torn up and relaid. Material obtained from demolished houses. 

Oct. 18, 19, 20. Much air activity. Whole Company at work on road. Lack 

[124] 



of candles caused mean situation; men in small groups and only one or two 
candles to a platoon. 

Oct. 21. Fine weather. Winter underwear issued. 

Oct. 22. Detail ordered to make report on capacity of all dugouts in the 
vicinity. 

Oct. 23. Artillery on opposite side of river firing continually from the early 
morning until noon. Aeroplanes active. Road-work progressing very satisfac- 
torily. 

Oct. 24. Supplies obtained from commissary by Lieutenant Schlotterer. 
Heavy artillery fire in the evening. 

Oct. 26. Received copy of order relieving General Edwards of his command, 
also accompanying order from General Edwards commending the division on its 
work under him. 

Oct. 27, Sunday. Weather fine. Only Company in the regiment that rested 
because of our good showing on the road-work. Boche planes dropped bombs near 
town. 

Oct. 28. Quarry detail doing good work getting supply of rock ahead for 
work on other end of road. 

Oct. 29. Much air activity. Detail under Sergeants Welch and Allen placed 
cuh'ert under main road. New issue of clothing. Rumors that Austria had quit. 

Oct. 30. More light railway obtained. Mules now haul stone to extremity 
of work. Authentic reports received that Austria had surrendered. 

Oct. 31, Nov. I. Company continues road-work. Company "F" taking 
over work on the farthest extremity of the new road and working towards us. 

Nov. 2. Rained in afternoon. A few shells landed in the town during early 
morning; several in large dugout had close call. 

Nov. 3, Sunday. No work. Short inspection of equipment. Alany took a 
bath or washed clothes. 

Nov. 4. In the afternoon an American balloon was brought down in flames 
by daring Boche aviator. Donation of cookies, chocolate, and cigarettes from 
Y. AI. C. A. through efforts of Lieutenant Schlotterer. 

Nov. 5. Captain Tarbell assigned to "E" Company, relieving Lieutenant 
Drown. Lieut. H. O. Jackson returns. Second suit of heavy underwear issued. 

Nov. 6. Captain Tarbell spoke a few words to the men before the evening 
mess; made a very good impression. 

Nov. 8. Rumors of an armistice after 2.00 p.m. to-day. Sergeants Allen and 
Ripley, Corporals Martin, Denner, Thomann, and Garland to report to Lieutenant 
Dorman each day for work with infantry on wire entanglements. 

Nov. 9. Received sudden orders to move forward. Left Champ at 8 a.m. 
and hiked to main road opposite town of Beaumont. L^nslung packs and immedi- 
ately started work. "7S's" on the side of the road opened up and drew return 
fire. No one hurt. Bivouacked on side of hill facing Boche lines. Heavy frost. 

Nov. 10. Work under direct observation. '"H.E." and gas-shells landed 
close. Many sick from the gas. "E" Company received order to go "over the 

[125] 



top" with the infantry in the morning. Luckily order was countermanded. Strong 
rumors that hostihties cease at ii a.m. to-morrow. 

Nov. II. Very quiet in the early morning; light shelling after daybreak. 
Many guns had moved in during the night. At 10.30 they opened up with a 
terrific noise. Firing ceased at precisely 11. Furloughs granted six men from 
Company. Flares and fires at night in celebration of armistice. 

Nov. 12. Road-work continued. Souvenir-hunters, staff-officers, the band, 
and other sightseers came up from the rear. 

Nov. 13. A very cold night. Heavy frost. Worked on the road in the 
morning. Packs rolled after mess at noon. In afternoon Company started for 
the rear. Bivouacked at Bras. Numerous camp-fires. Fire built upon an unseen 
hand-grenade exploded it, killing Sergeant Henderson of "D" Company and 
wounding two others. 

Nov. 14. Cold with frost during the night. Nine more men get permissions. 
Hiked to Bois de Thierville below Verdun. Almost all the Company billeted in one 
barrack. 

Nov. 15. Hiked to Bulainville. 

Nov. 16. Very cold day. No move. Reveille late. Inspection of equipment 
at 10 A.M. Third platoon detailed to wash all wagons. Sergeant McGlone re- 
turned to Company. Lieutenant Wallin and Sergeant Fayson left for school. 

Nov. 17. Another cold day. Twenty-si.x-kilometre hike to Erize-la-Brulee. 
Every one pretty tired. 

Nov. 18. New promotions announced in the morning. Hiked to Guerpont, 
where we billeted in a large building, most of "E" Company on the bottom floor. 
Lieutenants Drown and Schlotterer received orders to leave for the LInited States. 

Nov. 19. Cold and windy. Lieutenants Drown and Schlotterer leave for 
home. Lieutenant Schlotterer now a first lieutenant. Hiked to Hevilliers. 

Nov. 20. Hevilliers to Cirfontaines. Socks, Y.D.'s, and service-stripes issued. 

Nov. 21. Cirfontaines to Frez-sous-Lafauche. Colonel tells Company to- 
morrow will be last day of hike. Cooks doing good work. Very good meals had 
been served throughout the march. 

Nov. 22. Arrived at Esnouveaux one hundred and seventy kilos from our 
position at the front. Everybody glad the hiking is over. 

Nov. 23. Day given to rest and fixing billets. 

Nov. 24, Sunday. Our first opportunity to write home since the armistice. 
Bishop Brent addressed the regiment at the morning service. 

Nov. 25. Back to drill; five hours a day and retreat formation at 4. First 
men to go on furlough returned; had a fine time. Every one now anxious to go. 

Nov. 26. Drill. More work on billets; necessary in compliance with new 
orders. Platoon sergeants reassigned; first platoon, Hutcheson; second, Hurter; 
third, Bent; fourth, Thomas. Captain holds sergeants' meeting after retreat 
each day. 

Nov. 27. Drill. Detail decorated mess-hall for Thanksgiving. 

Nov. 28. Divisional commissary truck operates in this town on scheduled 
dates. 

[126] 



Nov. 29, Thanksgiving Day. Football game between First and Second 
Battalions in the morning. Score 0-0. Docs Lieutenant Norris put it over.^ We 
guess not! Mess at 3. Best feed we ever had in France. 

Dec. I, Sunday. Cold. No services to-day. 

Dec. 2. Drill now getting more advanced. Received our barrack-bags. Had 
not seen them since they were left at Humberville, March 30. 

Dec. 3. New order calls for ten minutes' e.xercise after reveille. Schedule a 
strenuous one. Guard mounts formal. 

Dec. 4. More men left on furlough. 

Dec. 5. Officers and sergeants went to Forcy to attend demonstration by 
staff officer on "How to get results in drill." Corporal Samsel in charge of Com- 
pany drill. 

Dec. 6. Drill in the morning. "E" Company chosen to escort the colors in 
the afternoon. Huge success (.'). 

Dec. 7. Inspection of equipment by platoons in the morning. Bath-house 
in operation. 

Dec. 8, Sunday. Almost the whole Company on detail in the morning. 
Services by Chaplain at 10 a.m. Soccer game with "F" Company in the afternoon. 
"F" won i-o. Pie for mess. 

Dec. 9. Entire regiment except "F" Company and Second Battalion Head- 
quarters assembled on the drill-field at 10 a.m. Short address by Major-General 
Hale, new commander of the division. 

Dec. 10. Drilled all day in the rain. Mail coming in regularly. Men re- 
turned to the Company from hospitals. 

Dec. II. Again drilled in the rain. Divisional cootie-cleansing machine in 
town. 

Dec. 12. Heavy rain. Lieutenant Drown held school in the mess-shack; 
guard duty and the nomenclature of the rifle. "Qualification-blanks" filled in. 

Dec. 13. Drill. Detail improving conditions about mess-hall. 

Dec. 14. Inspection of equipment on side hill back of mess-hall. Sergeants 
Cleaves and King, Corporal Plummer and \V. C. Smith return to Company. First 
Red Cross Christmas packages arrive from home. 

Dec. 17. Wet weather. Whole Company took cootie baths. Lieutenant 
Stanley assigned to "E" Company. Corporals Crosby and Smith, Heath, Coppinger, 
and Butler returned. 

Dec. 18. Very cold and rainy. Regiment hiked to within two kilometres of 
Nogent and formed in single line along the road; rehearsal in case of an inspection 
by the President. Detail left for bridge school at the Water Polygon, Langres, 
Lieutenant Drown in charge; Sergeants Thomas and Parmenter and one squad 
from each platoon. Lieutenant Martin joined Company. 

Dec. 19. Very rainy. Short drill and talks. Men on leave returned. Papers 
from home say 26th to stay as part of Army of Occupation. Not altogether dis- 
heartening, as we know better. 

Dec. 20. Rainy. School held in the barn near drill-field. 

Dec. 21. "D" Company put on a show in the Y. M. C. A. barrack. First 

[127] 



of a series to be given by the different companies. Officers get knocked. Detail 
of seventy-four men under Sergeants Cleaves and Jackson left for work on roads 
in Chaumont, Lieutenant Jackson in charge. 

Dec. 22. Onlv a few men left at Esnouveau.x. Turkeys arrive for Christmas. 



Dec. 



President expected in the divisional area on Christmas. Next two 



days to be spent on work about the town. Paid in the evening. 

Dec. 24. Lieutenant-Colonel Bartlett gave all non-com's in the battalion a 
talk on the camp conditions. Major Osborn also remarked. Details from Langres 
and Chaumont returned. 

Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Billets and equipment prepared for inspection. 
Divisional order for all men to be standing in front of their billets from 11.30 until 
dismissed by wire. Dismissed at 3.00. A fine dinner. "B" Company show at the 
Y. M. C. A. at 6.30. Snowed in the evening. 

Dec. 26. Drilled in the morning. Ground covered with snow. No drills in 
the afternoons this week. Sergeant King transferred to "A" Company. 

Dec. 27. Cold and overcast. Drill and camp details. "E" Company staged 
the "Bully Boys" show in the evening. Guess maybe we haven't some talent! 

Dec. 28. Inspection held in billets on account of rain. 

Dec. 31. School on the new American pontoon-bridge now a part of the 
drill schedule. Regiment to move soon. Teams go ahead with some of the 
supplies. 




CHURCH AT DOULAINCOURT 



[128] 



A WHACK HERE AND THERE 

Evidences of "£ Co. spirit^' zvhich may bring up amusing 
■memories to all of us. 

"Well, Hutch, what'll we give 'cm for dinner, HI stew?" 
"Oh, yuh, give 'em all they want!" 

Another pretty good one and often heard before our full realization of 
our part in the war was, — 

"Well when we reach our permanent camps, etc." 
"Yes, Bill, when?" 

"Gillie," the"Y," and,— 
"Oh, Mister Baw-baw-aw!" 

"Big Woodie" wanted eggs badly but couldn't "parley" a little bit. 
Thought he'd make a stab at it, however, so went into a store and, to the 
lady, "Havvy voo any woofs?" Being of no more than average intel- 
ligence, the "Madame" could not understand. Poor "Woodie" was 
stumped for the moment, but suddenly seized with a bright idea started 
hopping around the floor, flapping his arms to a wild accompaniment of 
"Cock-a-doodle-doo" to the best of his ability. He got his eggs! 

On guard,— (O. D. to "E" Company man): "Who's your C. O.?" 
(Nonplussed "gorilla"): "Colonel Bunnell, Company 'E'!" 

"I'll build you a wall, lieutenant!" 

Eddie Minton and Cotton were burying Boches up near Torcy. They 
had rolled a couple of them into a hole and Eddie started for one a little 
distance away. He made his half hitch neatly around the ankle, gave the 
word to the mule-driver and the resulting yank severed the limb. "Hey, 
Frank," he yelled, "this guy's giving me an argument, what'll I do with 



"Begging nobody's pardon, Bobbie's home!" 

"Have you a match, Ray?" "Blinkety-blank!" 
"Which way do I go, Ray?" "Go to ." 

"Oh, for a German! Give me a German! Oh-ho-ho-ho for just one 
chance!" 

Took some of us quite a while to learn. After much practice, the 
sentinel on post at the guard house knew enough to "turn out the guard 

[129] 



for the O. D." One bright rookie beat the manual baclc in the Armory, 
when, while on a midnight relief, he started the whole guard from sound 
slumbers with, "Turn out the guard, Officer of the Night!" 

Jim Ciccolo, Company barber, once in a while. 

Wonder if Ward works the sick-call nowadays? "Remember the time 
in Freville when the 'We want raw meat' gang was organized?" Guess 
the sick boys they went after got well in a hurry, didn't they? With the 
yell that made history in "E" Co., and a good heavy blanket, quest was 
made in search of the "light duties." No formalities, just the dragging 
forth of the would-be work-and-drill dodgers and a few minutes of aerial 
work was administered. No use arguing or resisting, it only meant pro- 
longation of the agony. The daily sick report was materially decreased. 

Brownson, follow four paces to the rear. 

" Hit 'im ! " And they usually did ! 

"Gee," says one infantry rookie, as he passed with his outfit into the 
lines at the Argonne, "Must be a tough place up here, lots of 'em getting 
killed." "Yuh," responded Bob Turnbull, "but they get so as they don't 
mind it much." 

Anybody seen Campbell's "dog robber?" 

We were in column of platoons and for purpose of a short lecture by 
Lieutenant Stanley, giv^en "left face." Following the next command, 
another "left face." The command was given "Platoons right by squads." 
Before the command of execution could be given. Sergeant Weiner, with 
exceptional presence of mind, prevented an awful catastrophe by reporting, 
"Sir, it can't be done, the Company's converted!" 

"Clear the road! Here comes Aud Gerry!" 
"Mike, have you watered your mewles?" 
You can take it from Jack Currier, he knows. 
Bill Berube, "big Woodie's interpreter." 
"Windjammer" Gardner thinks he'd like to herd sheep. 
The silent pair, Charlie Allen and Freddy Turner. 
"Archee, who's Theodore?" 

[ 1.^" ] 



Corp. Pete Frazer was in charge of a job in the Jury Woods in front 
of Beaumont, connecting the two entrances of a dugout, one of which was 
being used in its unfinished state by the infantry as a Company P.C. After 
clearing away the loose rock, "Pete" figured to do a little blasting. Holes 
were drilled in the face and after considerable argument to show how much 
explosive to use, it was agreed to place a small one. The cheddite was set 
and fused. A dull roar rose from below and the detail congratulated itself 
on the success of the experiment. All went below to see the result of the 
blast. The last was hardly below when the voice of the Captain's orderly 
from above requested the presence of the "boss" of the engineer detail 
in the other section of the dugout. "Pete" wanted company so took along 
another fellow with him. 

Formalities were not indulged in, the Captain sailed right in. 

"What the — kind of an earthquake are you starting around here.?" 
was shot at "Pete." 

"Sorry, sir, but we were experimenting and would have notified you 
before putting off the real blast." 

"Well, when you do, be sure there's nothing between me and the clear 
blue sky! I didn't know how big a one had landed on the top for a minute. 
Be sure and notify me in the future!" 

"Yes, sir." 

"Have a cigar, boys." 

"Thank you, sir." 

Needless to say, good liaison was kept between detail and captain 
during all future operations. 

The call of "Gas!" came suddenly in the middle of the night to the 
stable crew from their gas guard, but Win Pendexter had trouble. "Uh-uh, 
gee-I-can't, ooh! — Can't get it." "Try on your gas-mask," was suggested 
to the sleepy Win, whereupon he dropped the sock which he was trying to 
get his face into and adjusted his mask. 

Wonder if "Dotty" Bent can execute, "To the rear, March," yet. 
Used to be good at it back in Esnouveaux. 

Salt has many times been mistaken for sugar as many will testify, 
but the best one was the time MacMurria put the cinnamon in the stew 
for pepper. "Don't stir it!" he hollered as he noted the mistake, and tried 
to skim it off the top with a stick. 

What terrible goings-on there were in the big cave at Sorny after taps. 
Anybody know who it was who placed the bread and tin-can barrages, sang 

[131] 



all those songs, and set off all the fireworks? Wonder if Payson knew or 
did he sleep through it all? 

Sure, "Buzz Rehill" would ride the mule! 

It's a known fact that Torrey at least "went" to work once in this 
Army. Had a good excuse for not going then as without a doubt the rats 
ate his reserve ration. 

They say "Dud" collects souvenirs of the explosive variety. 

Bill Cleaves should certainly have been awarded the Congressional 
Medal for saving that American's life up at Chateau-Thierry, when his gat 
jammed. 

They say, true enough, "The better the soldier, the better the crab." 
Boost "Hie" Welch for the Company. He's one of the best we have. Ask 
him what he thinks of the army for a starter. 

One day Bob and Sam Weiner were on the same guard, Sam being 
sergeant of the guard, and entitled to privileges. "Hey, Sam," asked Bob, 
"will you mail this letter for me?" 

"Well, I dunno as I'm going by the office soon." 

"If you do go down, will you?" 

"But I'm not going down!" 

"Yuh, I know, but I asked you if you were going down would you 
mail it! Here!" 

"I told you I wasn't going down to the office, didn't I?" 

Sam's goat began to stray. 

"Yuh, but if you do go down, will you?" 

"Where do you get that wise stuff? Are you trying to kid me?" 

"Why no, Sam, I just wanted to know if you were going down to the 
office, would you " (Exit Sam.) 

Now that it's all over, do any of you see the "romance" of it all? 

"'E' Company spirit! Hooray for us!" 

"Yes, we all refused the coffee one night at Sorny, but understand we 
got it for breakfast the next day. How about it, Hutch?" 

[132] 



One of our Issues reading from daily paper to detail at Chantraines 
during Saturday inspection and standing at "Open Ranks." "Well, men, 
I've good news for you. By this morning's paper I see that the British 
have captured the 'Preslan,' which was prominent during operations at 
the 'Dandelions,' etc., etc. — Squads right, March!" 

"Where do you play.^" was asked one of our worthy sergeants. "Oh, 
I do a little pitching, little catching, and can play either the in-field or out- 
field." 

Oh, yes, Tom McGlonc sings "Jane." 

Who was it that pulled Shulver's left leg after he had twisted his 
right ankle playing soccer.^ Should have known better. 

On leave, "Hello, Y.D." "Hello, Rainbow." 




I McGlone 
6 Hirschel 
II Buxton 
l6 Santrot 
21 Despres 
26 Nellson 
3 1 Payson 



2 Mathieu 
7 Campbell 

12 Caboux 

17 Richardson 

22 Hurler 

27 Condit 



3 Brodil 

8 Bournet 
13 Lemarchand 
iS Devignon 
23 Martin 
28 Besse 

[ 133 ] 



4 Serrier 
9 Shulver 
14 Basset 
19 Wight 
24 Chisholm 
29 Cleaves 



5 Eastman 
10 Moisy 
15 Auclair 
20 Day 
25 King 
30 Daniel 



We had only three strictly Company songs and they were all com- 
posed before we left Boston. If we hadn't been so busy in those early 
days the talent in the Company would probably have produced more. 



{Tune of "They go Wild, Simply Wild o\er Me") 

Oh! We're wild, simply wild over "E," 

For we know it's the best Company. 

Be it work or be it play. 

Old "E" Co. will show the way 

To "F" Co., to "D" Co., 

To "B" or "C" or "A." 

Engineers couldn't be without "E" — 

That's a fact you can all plainly see. 

The others look at us and sigh 

As we quickly pass them by. 

Oh! We're wild, simply wild over "E." 



{Tune of "Joan of Arc") 

Company "E," Company "E," 

In your ranks we are all proud to be. 

With a Captain who cannot be beat, 

And Lieutenants we're all glad to meet. 

Company "E," Company "E," 

Whether home or 'cross the sea, 

We'll lead them all to Victory, 

So let's all give 'em hell, Company "E." 



{T2ine of "I'm Glad my Wife's in Europe") 

We're strong for Captain Eddie, 

'Cause he's a damned good scout, a damned good scout. 

While at peace or while at war. 

He's right there with the soldier lore. 

The only thing we hope is 

That he'll never leave old "E." 

We'd hate like hell to let him go — 

Don't see how we could, you know. 

Oh! We're strong for Captain Eddie, 

He's the pride of Company "E." 

[134] 



Besides these, of course, we sang all the old and new army songs, 
and during dull moments it was a very ancient song indeed which wasn't 
called upon to exercise the voices of the songsters of the Company. 



COMPANY "E" CHEER 
Brackety-ex! Co-ex! Co-ex! 
Brackety-ex! Co-ex! Co-ex! 

Hi-0! Hi-0! 
HuL-LA Ba-Lul-la Ba-Loo! 
C-0-M-P-A-N-Y E! El E! 



[135] 



COMPANY "E" CASUALTIES IN ACTIVE SERVICE 

Pvt. 1 CI. Bryant, Chauncey D. Died Jan. 5, 1918, at Roches-sui-Rognon. 

Corp. Foley, Dennis J. Seriously gassed at Reichecourt, Alay 31, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Flebut, Earl W. Gassed at Reichecourt, May 31, 1918. 

Sgt. Welch, Howard A. Gassed at Reichecourt, May 31, 1918. 

Pvt. Smith, Edwin R. Gassed at Reichecourt, May 31, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Holt, Clyde. Gassed at Reichecourt, May 31, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Porter, Robert S. Gassed at Reichecourt, May 31, 1918. 

Pvt. Miasek, Henry. Wounded at Beaumont, June 6, 191 8. 

Wagoner Walker, Joseph. Gassed at Beaumont, June 9, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Pendexter, John W., Jr. Gassed at Beaumont, June 9, 1918. 

Pvt. Douglas, William A. Wounded at Beaumont, June 10, 1918. 

Pvt. Hyberts, Carl J. Wounded at Beaumont, June 10, 1918. 

Wagoner Littlefield, Frank M. Wounded at Beaumont, June 13, 1918. 

Pvt. Lasser, Ralph L. Killed by concussion at Beaumont, June 16, 1918. 

1st Sgt. Buxton, William S. Seriously wounded at Beaumont, June 16, 1918. 

Sgt. Moody, William A. Seriously wounded at Beaumont, June 16, 1918. 

Pvt. Watson, Fred. Alortally wounded at Beaumont, June 16, 1918. 

Sgt. Denner, Herbert J. Wounded at Beaumont, June 16, 1918. 

Pvt. Sproul, Harry L. Seriously wounded at Boucq, June 16, 1918. 

Pvt. Briggs, Frank L. Seriously wounded at Beaumont, June 16, 1918. 

Pvt. Hanson, J. C. Concussion at Beaumont, June 16, 1918. 

Pvt. Millett, Joseph. Concussion near Lucy-le-Bocage, July 16, 191 8. 

Pvt. I CI. Haskell, Curtis R. Wounded at La Voie-du-Chatel, July 16, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Goodearl, Alfred B. Killed at Belleau Woods, July 18, 19 18. 

Corp. Fogg, Cecil W. Mortally wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Hawkins, Ralph L. Seriously wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 19 18. 

Sgt. Thomas, Chester R. Wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Wunderlich, Ray H. Seriously wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 

Sgt. Watson, Charles B. Gassed at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Dudley, Arthur H. Wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Berlyn, Lewis. Wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 191 8. 

Pvt. I CI. Coppinger, Frank W. Seriously wounded at Belleau Woods, 

July 18, 1918. 
Corp. Smith, Arthur W. Seriously wounded at Belleau \\'oods, July 18, 1918. 
Pvt. I CI. Rankin, Sidney P. Wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 
Pvt. Nimons, William E. Seriously wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 
Pvt. Jacks, Sigmund. Seriously wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 
Pvt. Dyer, William W. Mortally wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 
Pvt. Schau, Oluf S. P. Wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 191 8. 
Pvt. Pfrimmer, Samuel M. Wounded at Belleau Woods, July 18, 19 18. 
Pvt. Cole, Cecil. Killed at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 
Pvt. Campbell, James J. Gassed at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 

[136] 



Pvt. I CI. Salveson, Andrew. Seriousl\- wounded at Belleau Woods, July 

19, 1918. 
Pvt. I CI. Rogers, Frank Y. Seriously wounded at Belleau Woods, July 

19, 1918. 
1st Lt. Drown, Henry C. Wounded at Belleau Woods, July 19, 1918. 
P\t. I CI. Currie, Clark \\'. Seriously wounded at Belleau Woods, July 

18, 1918. 
Pvt. Gadsby, James P. Concussion at Belleau Woods, July 18, 1918. 
Pvt. I CI. Nivens, Fred. Concussion at Belleau Woods, July 18, 191 8. 
1st Lt. Mattson, William R. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 191 8. 
Sgt. Welch, Howard A. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 191 8. 
Sgt. Francis, Russell D. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 19 18. 
Sgt. Denner, Herbert J. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, igi8. 
Pvt. Misek, Alec. Slightly wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 1918. 
Pvt. AicLeod, Warren M. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 19 18. 
Pvt. Lamore, Frank. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 19 18. 
Pvt. Harmon, George E. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 1918. 
Pvt. Colaluce, Angelo. W^ounded east of Belleau, July 20, 1918. 
Pvt. Ramponi, Joseph. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 1918. 
Pvt. Butler, Millbury E. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 1918. 
Pvt. Lamont, Daniel E. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 19 18. 
Pvt. Adams, Ralph M. Wounded east of Belleau, July 20, 1918. 
Pvt. Paquet, Arthur D. Concussion at Chante Merle, July 22, 1918. 
Pvt. Thompson, George P. Concussion at Chante Merle, July 22, 1918. 
Corp. Crosby, William K. Serious concussion near Saint-Remy, September 

12, 1918. 
Pvt. Hadley, Delbert E. Wounded north of Chateau-Thierry, July 23, 191S. 
Pvt. Raymond, Wilfred. Wounded north of Chateau-Thierry, July 23, 1918. 
Corp. Rooney, John H. Seriously gassed near Epieds, July 24, 1918. 
Bugler Hatch, Willard L. Gassed north of Chateau-Thierry, July 27, 191S. 
Pvt. Buffum, Eustis R. Gassed north of Chateau-Thierry, July 27, 1918. 
Pvt. Lablanc, Henry J. Gassed north of Chateau-Thierry, July 27, 1918. 
Pvt. Mead, Franklin C. Concussion north of Chateau-Thierry, July 21, 1918. 
Corp. Stahl, John A. H. Wounded near Saint-Remy, September 12, 1918. 
Pvt. Mallon, John L. Concussion near Saint-Remy, September 12, 1918. 
Pvt. I CI. Thompson, George P. Wounded near Saint-Remy, September 

12, 1918. 
Sgt. McGlone, Thomas C. Wounded near Saint-Remy, September 12, 1918. 
Corp. Crosby, W'illiam K. Serious concussion near Saint-Remy, September 

12, 1918. 
Corp. Johnson, Joseph. Wounded near Mesnil-sur-les-Cotes, September 30, 

1918. 
Pvt. Smith, William C. Gassed near Jolicceur, November 10, 191 8. 
Pvt. Cotton, Frank H. Gassed near Jolicceur, November 10, 191 8. 

[137] 



COMPLETE ROSTER OF "E" COMPANY MEN WHO LEFT FRANCE 

WITH UNIT 

Capt. Mattson, William R., 2 Vogel Ter., Brookline, Mass. 

1st Lt. Drown, Henry C, 47 Moultrie St., Dorchester Centre, Mass. 

1st Lt. Wallin, Walter R., 3649 Montrose Ave., Chicago, 111. 

1st Lt. Jackson, Henry 0., 7 South St., Southbridge, Mass. 

2d Lt. Stanley, Arthur B., 66 Oak St., Hyde Park, Mass. 

2d Lt. Martin, Porter W., 120 King's Rd., Corvallis, Ore. 

2d Lt. Farley, Otis B., 1744 Centre St., Roxbury, Mass. 

2d Lt. Thornton, William J., 15 Spring St., South Manchester, Conn. 

1st Sgt. Campbell, Frederick W., 66 Bowdoin Ave., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. June 8, 1916, Appt. Sgt. July 14, 1917, Appt. Sgt. i CI. Apr. 16, 1918, 
Appt. 1st Sgt. Aug. 8, 191 8. 

Sgt. I CI. Payson, Carl V., 26 Torrey St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 3, 1917, Appt. Sgt. i CI. Aug. 22, 1917. 

Sgt. I CI. Hurter, Charles C, 25 Highland Ave., Cambridge A, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. May 7, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 17, 1917, Appt. Sgt. Aug. 22, 1917, 
Appt. Sgt. I CI. Aug. 8, 19 1 8. 

Sgt. I CI. Thomas, Chester R., 37 Holt St., Waverley, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 7, 1917, Appt. Sgt. Apr. 16, 1918, .Appt. 
Sgt. I CI. Nov. 4, 1918. 

Sgt. I CI. Hutcheson, William D., 41 Bakersfield St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. Apr. 14, 1914, Appt. Sgt. July 13, 1917, Appt. Sgt. i CI. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Sgt. I CI. Bent, George F., Milton, Mass., Enl. A-Iass. N. G. Nov. 11, 1913, 
2d Enl. Nov. II, 1916, Appt. Corp. Aug. 22, 1917, Appt. Sgt. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. 
Sgt. I CI. Nov. 16, 191 8. 

Sgt. I CI. Welch, Howard A., Farm St., Dover, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 
5, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Oct. i, 1918, Appt. Sgt. i CI. Apr. 

3, 1919- 

Supply Sgt. Ripley, Walter J., 440 Norfolk St., Alattapan, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. Nov. II, 1913, 2d Enl. Nov. 11, 1916, Appt. Corp. Aug. 22, 1917, Appt. Sgt. 
Apr. 16, 1918. 

Mess Sgt. Dreger, Paul M., 521 Cyrus St., Ionia, Mich., Enl. N. A. Sept. 18, 
1917, Trans, fr. Replacement, Apr. 26, 1918, Appt. Cook, June i, 1918, Appt. Sgt. 
Aug. 12, 19 1 8. 

Stable Sgt. Richardson, Roland M., 20 Main St., Bridgton, Me., Enl. Maine 
N. G. July 17, Appt. Stable Sgt. Mar. i, 1918. 

Sgt. McGlone, Thomas C, 32 Blackstone Ave., Pawtucket, R.I., Enl. R.I. 
N. G. May 3, 1914. 

Sgt. Jackson, Charles H., 34 Parker St., Lexington, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 18, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 12, 1917, Appt. Sgt. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Sgt. Watson, Charles B., 87 Kilby St., Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 
3, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 8, 1917, Appt. Sgt. May 30, 1918. 

[138] 



Sgt. Parmenter, Charles O., 5 Lincoln St., Lynn, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. June 
8, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 18, 1917, Appt. Sgt. May 30, 1918. 

Sgt. MacKenna, Frank B., Wayland, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. June 14, 1917, 
Appt. Corp. Nov. 22, 1917, Appt. Sgt. May 30, 1918. 

Sgt. Guild, Laurie E., 259 Forest St., Maiden, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 
ID, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. Sgt. May 30, 1918. 

Sgt. Langworthy, Ralph G., 127 Beverly St., North Andover, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. Aug. 16, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Aug. 8, 1918. 

Sgt. Weiner, Samuel, 95 Fowler St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Apr. 27, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Aug. 8, 1918. 

Sgt. Gorely, Carl P., 25 Oakland St., Wellesley Hills, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May ID, 1917, Appt. Sgt. Sept. 10, 1918. 

Sgt. Allen, Charles F., Medfield, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 29, 1917, 
Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Oct. i, 1918. 

Sgt. Denner, Herbert J., 34 Saunders St., Allston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 4, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Sgt. Thurston, Herbert S., 100 School St., Everett, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 5, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Sgt. Worrell, Robert C, 318 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 2, 1917, Appt. Sgt. Nov. 1918. 

Sgt. Foley, Dennis J., 366 Langley St., Newton Centre, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. July 15, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Apr. 3, 1919. 

Sgt. Martin, Fred R., 146 Charles St., North Abington, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. July 2, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918, Appt. Sgt. Apr. 3, 1919. 

Corp. Plummer, William L, 5 Adams St., Charlestown, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. June 8, 1915, Appt. Corp. July 17, 1917. 

Corp. Samsel, Carl J., 6 Hubbard St., Jamaica Plain, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May i, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 14, 1917. 

Corp. Stahl, John A. H., 33 Hewlett St.. Roslindale, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
June I, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 15, 1917. 

Corp. Murdy, Frank A., 142 Maple St., West Ro.xbury, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. July 16, 1917. 

Corp. Atwell, Seth R., ■},■] Allen St., East Bridgewater, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Oct. 18, 1913, 2d Enl. Oct. 18, 1916, Appt. Corp. Aug. 22, 1917. 

Corp. McNally, Francis X., 32 Worcester Square, Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 2, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 22, 1917. 

Corp. MacMillan, Gordon C, 148 Trenton St., East Boston, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. May 14, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 22, 1917. 

Corp. Steward, Ernest J., care Miss AL Moore, 149 Buckminster Road, 
Brookline, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. Apr. 30, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 13, 1918. 

Corp. MacConnell, James H., 26 Albemarle St., Arlington, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Francis, William C, 30 Norwood Ave., Manchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 5, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

[139] 



Corp. Malouf, Charles, 22 Dean St., Norwood, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. July 
2, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Gerry, Audley G., R. F. D. No. 1, Hollis Centre, Me., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July II, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Kearns, William, Lincoln St., Manchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 23, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Chisholm, James J., 600 Main St., Medford, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Apr. 30, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Crosby, William K., Brewer St., Cambridge, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 21, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Brown, Henry J., Sanborn Ave., Somerville, Mass., care J. F. Laker, 
Enl. Mass. N. G. Apr. 29, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Smith, Arthur W., 44 Aspinwall Road, Dorchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. x6, 1918. 

Corp. Palmer, Merlie J., 2829 Calumet Ave., Chicago, 111., Enl. 111. N. G. 
Sept. 20, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. as Corp. Apr. 26, 1918. 

Corp. Brownson, Harold R., 42 Faneuil St., Brighton, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 1918. 

Corp. Johnson, Joseph, 10 Johnson Pi., Norwood, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 2, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 1918. 

Corp. Eraser, Peter M., 29 Hayes St., Cambridge, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Aug. 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 1918. 

Corp. Dodge, Charles A., 42 Guild St., Roxbury, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
June 29, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 1918. 

Corp. Gillman, George F., 48 Hilda St., East Milton, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 26, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 1918. 

Corp. Haley, Ralph B., Enl. Maine N. G. July 28, 1917, Appt. Corp. May 30, 
1918. 

Corp. Garland, Percy F., Conway Centre, N.H., Enl. Mass. N. G. Apr. 30, 
1917, Appt. Corp. Aug. 18, 1918. 

Corp. Logee, James M., 8 Reynolds St., Danielson, Conn., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 31, 1917, Appt. Corp. Aug. 8, 1918. 

Corp. Donahue, Thomas M. J., 48 Nonatuk St., Holyoke, Mass., Enl. 
U. S. N. A. Sept. 21, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Ayer, Sept. 22, 1917, Appt. 
Corp. Aug. 8, 1918. 

Corp. Kramer, Charles A., 531 Stanbridge St., Norristovvn, Pa., Enl. U. S. 
N. A. Nov. 2, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918, Appt. Corp. Aug. 8, 1918. 

Corp. Fletcher, Learna W., Redwood, IVIiss., Enl. Miss. N. G., Trans, fr. 
repl. as Corp. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Corp. Fenton, Emanuel, Leavittsburg, Ohio, Enl. U. S. N. A. .\pr. 30, 19 18, 
Trans, fr. repl. as Corp. Sept. 11, 1918. 

Corp. Richardson, Elmer G., Denmark, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 29, 
1917, Appt. Wagoner Mar. 8, 1918, Appt. Corp. Nov. 4, 1918. 

Corp. Corkery, Maurice M., 55 River St., Cambridge, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 30, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 16, 1918. 

[140] 



Corp. Fortunati, John A., 3 Porter St., Somerville, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Apr. 30, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Heiden, Sigurd L., 14 Rich St., Mattapan, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Nielsen, Carl R., 22 Bartlett Rd„ Waverley, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
June 30, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Norling, Carl \V., 25 Hillberg Ave., Brockton, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 2, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Paul, Robert, 54 Stanwood St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Sept. 7, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Rooney, John H., 1689 Centre St., West Roxbury, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 2, 1917, Appt. Corp. Nov. 16, 1918. 

Corp. Metcalf, James R., State Road, West, Wayland, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 4, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 3, 1919. 

Corp. Turner, Fred C, Bo.x 63, R. F. D. i, Bucksport, Me., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 3, 1917, Appt. Corp. Apr. 3, 1919. 

Horseshoer Joyce, Gordon, 12 Harvard St., Waltham, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 10, 1917, Appt. Wgnr. Feb. 15, 1918, Appt. Hsher. Mar. 15, 1918. 

Saddler Weeks, Herbert H., 64 Market Sq., Lynn, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 7, 1917, Appt. Saddler July 17, 1918. 

Wagoner Berube, William, R. F. D. Box i, Saylesville, R.I., Enl. R.I. N. G. 
June 7, 1916, Appt. Wgnr. July 17, 1918. 

Wagoner Currier, John, 9 Madison St., New Bedford, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Aug. 2, 1917, Appt. Wgnr. Mar. 15, 1918. 

Wagoner Doolin, James F., 17 M St., S. Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. July 
27, 1917, Appt. Wgnr. Mar. 15, 1918. 

Wagoner Fallon, Earl L., South Hiram, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 30, 191 7, 
Appt. Wgnr. Mar. i, 1918. 

Wagoner Gilpatrick, Preston J., Limerick, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 29, 
1917, Appt. Wgnr. Mar. 8, 191 8. 

Wagoner Littlefield, Frank M., Hollis Centre, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 10, 
1917, Appt. Wgnr. Mar. 8, 1918. 

Wagoner True, Richmond A., Denmark, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 29, 
1917, Appt. Wgnr. Mar. i, 1918. 

Wagoner Wood, Elgin T., 493 Park Ave., Worcester, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
June 30, 1917, Appt. Wgnr. Mar. 8, 1918. 

Cook Gorton, Daniel J., 64 Carpenter St., Valley Falls, R.I., Enl. R.I. N. G. 
Mar. 7, 1917, Appt. Cook Mar. i, 1918. 

Cook Morrissey, Patrick F., 36 Taylor Ave., Brockton, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 7, 1917, Appt. Cook Aug. 2, 1917. 

Cook McMurria, Ben H., Arlington, Ga., Enl. U. S. N. A. Nov. 30, 1917, 
Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918, Appt. Cook Oct. i, 1918. 

Cook McNeilly, David B., Grandin, N.D., Enl. V. S. N. A. Sept. 23, 1917, 
Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918, Appt. Cook Oct. i, 1918. 

[141] 



Cook Pembroke, William I., 74 lUsley St., Portland, Me.. Enl. Maine N. G. 
Jul)' 6, 1917, Appt. Cook Oct. I, 1918. 

Bugler Gardner, Albert J., 187 Park St., Medford, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 21, 1917, Appt. Bglr. Jan. 21, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Betlega, Ignatz, 41 Richmond St., Adams, Mass., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 21, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Briden, Raymond K., 849 North Main St., Pawtucket, R.I., Enl. 
R.I. N. G. Feb. 12, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Carmichael, George F., 5 Canal St., South Braintree, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. May 8, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Caseley, Orville W., 65 West Newton St., Boston, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. May 4, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Clark, Edward C, East Weare, N.H., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 7, 
1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Collins, William J., 93 Gore St., Cambridge, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 24, 19 17. 

Pvt. I CI. Coppinger, Frank W., 1099 Blue Hill Ave., Dorchester, Mass., 
Enl. Mass. N. G. July 30, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Costello, Edward J., Route 6, Box 18, Rochester, Minn., Enl. 
Minn. N. G. July 24, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Davis, Nate S., Limerick, Miss., Enl. Miss. N. G., Trans, fr. repl. 
Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Day, Fred, Box 27, Keezar Falls, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 

30, 1917- 

Pvt. I CI. Day, George, Box 27, Keezar Falls, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 

30, 1917. 

Pvt. Dudley, Arthur H., Wayland, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. Aug. 23, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Farley, John B., 16 Broadway, Chicopee Falls, Mass., Enl. U. S. 
N. A. Sept. 21, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Flebut, Earl W., 27 McLellan St., Amherst, Mass., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 21, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 23, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Ghiradelli, Andrew, 28 Hull St., Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 4, 1917. 

' Pvt. I CI. Graffam, Gordon L., Box 22, Bar Mills, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 

II, 1917- 

Pvt. I CI. Grant, Elmer L., 55 Floyd St., Everett, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 

May 3, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Haskell, Curtis R., Sagamore, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 4, 
1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Hibbard, Winfred E., Harrison, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 7, 
1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Holt, Clyde, Lowell St., Wilmington, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 4, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Jenks, Walter B., 13 Myrtle St., Pawtucket, R.L, Enl. R.L N. G. 
July 18, 1917. 

[142] 



Pvt. I CI. Johnson, Theodore A., 705 High and Menore Sts., Rochester, 
Minn., Enl. Minn. N. G. Sept. 22, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Kimball, Clarence C, R. F. D. j, Saco, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. 
July 1 1, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Kinsman, Harold L., 54 Marathon St., Arlington, Mass., I'm). 
Mass. N. G. July 28, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Lawson, \'aner E. G., 121 Pleasant St., Orange, Mass., Enl. 
V. S. N. A. Sept. 5, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Leone, Santo, 27 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, Mass., Enl. V. S. 
N. A. Sept. 18, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Camp Devens, Sept. 27, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Liberty, Samuel, Bridge St., Crookston, Minn., Enl. Minn. N. G., 
Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Lindsay, Archibald L., Suite 2. 121 Dale St., Roxbury, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. June 29, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Mackey, Peter, 404 Marion Rd., Rochester, Minn., Enl. Minn. 
N. G. June 4, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Malone, Dave, 2603 Fourth St., Port Arthur, Tex., Enl. Texas 
N. G. July 18, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Minton, Edwin F., 12 Elder St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. June 28, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Miranda, Raymond L., 58 Angell St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. June 13, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. McClement, Frederic S., Marsh Lane, Adams, Mass., Enl. LT. S. 
N. A. Sept. 7, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. McClellan, Perley R., Box 57, Buxton, Me., Enl. iMaine N. G. 
July II, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Neitzel, Harry G., 1221 South Forty-eighth Court St., Cicero, 111., 
Enl. V. S. N. A. Feb. 23, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 3, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Newland, Frank R.. 727 North Broadway, Baltimore, Md., Enl. 
U. S. N. A. Oct. 3, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. O'Connor, \\'illiam P., 45 Sheridan Ave., Medford, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. May 3, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. O'Neil, Frederick, 340 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. July II, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Paley, Frederic B., 424 West S3d St., New York, N.Y., Enl. Minn. 
N. G. June 20, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 7, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Pendexter, John W., Cornish, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 30, 
1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Porter, Robert S., 9 Dartmouth St., Watertown, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 23, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Ramponi, Joseph, 52 Wellesley Ave., Wellesley, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. July 2, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Rankin, Sydney P., 44 Cross St., Beverly, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 2, 19 1 7. 

[ W3 ] 



Pvt. I CI. Richards, Earl II. B., Box 104, Bar Mills, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. 
July 21, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Ryan, Theobald M., 85 Essex St., Salem, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
June 30, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Sargent, Lloyd H., Bar Mills, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 11, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Sheehan, Charles F., 30 Leonard Sq., Brockton, Mass., Enl. 
V. S. N. A. Sept. 21, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Stanley, Archie P., Keezar Falls, Me., Enl. iXLiine N. G. June 
30, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Stuart, Louis W., Cedar St., West Somerville, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 14, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Sundkvist, Edward, 75 Carfork St., Bingham Canyon, L^tah, Enl. 
U. S. N. A. Sept. 14, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Thomas, Elmer E., Cathlamet, Wash., Enl. U. S. N. A. Oct. 2, 
1917, Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Tracy, Thomas W., Red Bluff, Cal., Enl. Cal. N. G. July 11, 
1917, Trans, fr. repl. July 31, 1918. 

Pvt. I CI. Vigon, Frank P.. 43 Rock St., Whitman, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 4, 19 1 7. 

Pvt. I CI. Watson, Thomas, 43 Batavia St., Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Aug. 3, 1917. 

Pvt. 1 CI. Watts, Francis E.. 4 Arion St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 16, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Whittaker, William E., Bar Mills, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 
II, 1917. 

Pvt. I CI. Wood, Walter A., Box 62, Nasonville, R.L, Enl. R.L N. G. Apr. 

3, 1917- 

Pvt. Adams, Ralph M., Buxton Centre, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 21, 1917. 

Pvt. Aiken, Gordon C, 2913 Mary St.. South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa., Enl. 
U. S. N. A. May 26, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. Sept. 11, 1918. 

Pvt. Allen, Fred G., 71 Seventh St., Turners Falls, Mass., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 21, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. Armour, Philip D., 724 Lake St., Rockwell City, la., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Jan. 7, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. Mar. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. Ballard, James D., Maine N. G. Apr. 2, 1917. 

Pvt. Balser, Lester W., Box 95, Haverhill, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 25, 
1917. 

Pvt. Beba, Julius, 955 McDougall Ave., Detroit, Mich., Enl. V. S. N. A. Mar. 
28, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Berry, Earl, 554 North Elder Ave., Indianapolis. Ind., Enl. V. S. N. A. 
June 27, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. July 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Berthiaume, Eugene T., 163 Joseph Campau Ave., Detroit, Mich., Enl. 
U. S. N. A. Mar. 30, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Binggeli, Herman, Home City, Kan., Enl. L^. S. N. A. Nov. 5, 1917, 
Trans, fr. repl. July 28, 1918. 

[144] 



Pvt. Blakeney, Polie, Taylorsville, Miss., Enl. U. S. N. A. Nov. ii, 1917, 
Trans, fr. repl. Sept. 11, 191 8. 

Pvt. Bonville, Emery J., Fish Creek, Wis., Enl. I'. S. N. A. Mar. 30, 1918, 
Trans, fr. repl. July 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Boquist, Carl J., 915 America Ave., Bemidji, Minn., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
May 7, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Broman, John, Route 4, Bo.\ 8, Duluth, Minn., Enl. U. S. N. A. Apr. 30, 
1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Buis, John, Tasewell, Tenn., Enl. Kentucky N. G. July 6, 1917, Trans, 
fr. repl. Aug. 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Cameron, Joseph Brimley, Mich., Enl. U. S. N. A. Mar. 31, 1918, Trans, 
fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Campbell, James J., 13 Centre St., Ro.xbury, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 21, 1917. 

Pvt. Carpenter, Louis F., 638 Ferdinand Ave., Detroit, Mich., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Mar. 28, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Ciccolo, James A., 46 Murdock St., Somerville, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 25, 1917. 

Pvt. Colaluce, Angelo, 145 Ford St., Brockton, Mass., Enl. L . S. N. A. Sept. 
21, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. Cornelius, William, Oneida, Wis., Enl. South Dakota N. G. Apr. 4, 1917, 
Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Cotton, Frank H., 13 Kensington .'\ve., Somerville, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 2, 1917. 

Pvt. Dennett, Freeman A., Hollis Centre, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 11, 
1917. 

Pvt. Dillalio, Louis, 638 Ferdinand Ave., Detroit, Mich., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 19, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Dodge, William H., 99 Chestnut St., \\ aliham, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
June 27, 1917. 

Pvt. Donovan, Daniel J.. 44 Blue Hill A\c., Ro.\bur\-, Mass., Enl. U. S. 
Army, Dec. 8, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Mar. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. Dooley, Alphonsus L., 369 Beniteau Ave., Detroit, Mich., Enl. L'. S. N. A. 
Mar. 29, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Douglas, W'illiam A., 67 Centre St., Roxbury, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Sept. 13, 1917. 

Pvt. Douglas, Elmer, West Brownfield, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 23, 1917. 

Pvt. Douglas, Everett V., West Brownfield. Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 27, 
1917. 

Pvt. Dumais, Alforidoe T., 12 Central St., Somersworth, N.H., Enl. U. S. 
N. A. Mar. 28, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Economos, Demetrios, 42 Lincoln St., Lewiston, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. 
June 13, 1917. 

Pvt. Eshlaman, Austin, 703 First St., Kalamazoo, Mich., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Mar. 26, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. Sept. 11, 1918. 

[145] 



Pvt. Fitzgerald, John, Armory St., Springfield, Mass., Enl. U. S. Army, Mar. 
28, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Flanagan, Louis P., 719 Bartholomew St., New Orleans, La., Enl. LI. S. 
N. A. Oct. 17, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Forgue, Joseph N., 687 Hamilton Ave., Detroit, Mich., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Mar. 29, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Fritz, Edward A., Morton, 111., Enl. U. S. N. A. Sept. 5, 1917, Trans, 
fr. repl. May 13, 1918. 

Pvt. Gallo, Cesare, 15 Grove Ave., Brockton, Mass., Enl. U. S. N. A. Sept. 
21, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. Green, William A., Jonesboro, Ark., R. F. D. 6, Box 24, Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 26, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Sept. 11, 1918. 

Pvt. Hamel, George, 62 Spring St., Manville, R.L, Enl. R.L N. G. Apr. 2, 
1917. 

Pvt. Hanson, Donald A., Star Route, West Bu.xton, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. 
July 21, 1917. 

Pvt. Hanson, John C., 86 Sabin St., Central Falls, R.L, Enl. R.L N. G. Oct. 

i3> 1915- 

Pvt. Harding, Joseph, 195 h'ountain St., Pawtucket, R.L, Enl. R.L N. G. Feb. 
21, 1917. 

Pvt. Harmon, George E., Hollis, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 11, 1917. 

Pvt. Harrington, Renard, 129 East St., Fort Edward X.Y., Enl. LI S. N. A. 
Oct. 6, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Sept. 11, 1918. 

Pvt. Harrington, Thomas W., Coventry, R.L, Enl. R.L N. G. May 23, 1917. 

Pvt. Hartline, John R., Birdsboro, Pa., Enl. V. S. N. A. Nov. 3, 1917, Trans, 
fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. Harvey, Roger L., 24 Livermore Rd., Wellesley Hills, Mass., Enl. 
Mass. N. G. Aug. 7, 1917. 

Pvt. Haykal, H\kal J., 62 Amesbury St., Lawrence, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Aug. 2, 191 7. 

Pvt. Heath, Clayton E., 69 Main St., Norway, Me., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 
II, 1917. 

Pvt. Hill, Percy M., R. F. D. i, Buxton, Me., Enl Maine N. G. July 11, 1917. 

Pvt. Hogan, Morris, 353 East Wash. St., Shelbyville, Ind., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Oct. 5, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Juh- 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Houghton, William E., 55 Beacon St., Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 16, 1917. 

Pvt. Hull, Albert W., 16 Charles St., Newport, R.L, Enl. V. S. N. A. Mar. 
28, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Hyberts, Carl J., East Hiram, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 29, 1917. 

P\t. Johnson, Att., Box 56, Green\-ille, K\-., Enl. L'. S. N. A. Sept. 19, 1917, 
Trans, fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Kriger, John, 3315 Oak Ave., Minooka, Pa., Enl. U. S. N. A. Mar. 28, 
1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 28, 1918. 

[146] 



Pvt. Lalone, John D., 406 East Adams St., Syracuse, N.Y., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 29, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. Lament, Daniel E., 266 Normandy St., Dorchester, Mass., Enl. Mass. 
N. G. May 5, 1917. 

Pvt. Leavitt, Earnest L., 64 Main St., Maiden, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. May 
2, 1917. 

Pvt. Leighton, Benjamin T., Harrison, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 21, 1917. 

Pvt. Linehan, Paul, 62 Franklin St., Haverhill, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. July 

11, 1917. 

Pvt. Lonser, John H., 1487 Military Ave., Detroit, Mich., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Mar. 29, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Mallon, John F., 82 Savin St., Pawtucket, R.I., Enl. R.I. N. G. Apr. 2, 
1917. 

Pvt. Metcalf, Sumner A., Route i, Keezar Falls, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 

30. 1917- 

Pvt. Miasek, Henry, 99 E St., Great Harrington, Mass., Enl. U. S. N. A. Sept. 

6, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 7, 1917. 

Pvt. Miller, Chauncey F., 669 Linden Ave., East Pittsburgh, Pa., Enl. U. S. 
N. A. May 29, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. Sept. 11, 1918. 

Pvt. Morse, William, 384 Lovell St., East Boston, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 28, 1917. 

Pvt. Munson, Eugene L., R. F. D. i, Williamsburg, Mass., Enl. V. S. N. A. 
Sept. 6, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Camp Devens, Sept. 19, 1917. 

Pvt. McGee, Norman C, 251 Main St., Wareham, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
Sept. 17, 1917. 

Pvt. McGinn, William, Water St., Richmond, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 

12, 1917. 

Pvt. McLeod, Warren, 19 Linden St., Needham, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May S, 1917. 

Pvt. Nichols, Harry H., care Mrs. Flora Nichols, 318^^ South 6th St., Quincy, 
111., Enl. U. S. N. A. Feb. 24, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. July 6, 1918. 

Pvt. Norton, Grover R., Keezar Falls, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. July 21, 1917. 

Pvt. O'Leary, Patrick, 424 West 53d St., New York City, N.Y., Enl. U. S. 
N. A. Sept. 10, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. July 6, 1918. 

Pvt. Patrick, Aaron, Glen, Miss., Enl. LI S. N. A. Oct. 3, 1917, Trans, fr. 
repl. Sept. 11, 1918. 

Pvt. Perkins, Lewis J., care D. M. Holton, Walnut Hill, La., Enl. L'. S. N. A. 
Sept. 18, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Pierce, Leroy S., R. F. D. 2, Gray, Me., Enl. Maine N. G. June 30, 1917. 

Pvt. Poole, Bryant J., Eldorado, Ark., Enl. Ark. N. G. Apr. 7, 1917, Trans. 
fr. repl. July 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Randall, Irvin Z., Vandalia, Ind., Enl. V. S. N. A. Sept. 20, 1917, Trans. 
fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Raymond, Wilfred, 59 Cross St., Central Falls, R.I., Enl. R.I. N. G. 
Apr. 16, 1915. 

[147] 



Pvt. Rehill, Basil J., Enl. Mass. N. G. Aug. 3, 1917. 

Pvt. Roberts, Hugh J., 28 Marion Ave., Belmont, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 6, 1917. 

Pvt. Roper, William B., Route 2, Birmingham, Ala., Enl. U. S. N. A. Oct. 2, 
1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Sebren, Richard, Route 3, Vandenhall, Miss., Enl. U. S. N. A. Sept. 29, 
1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Sewall, Karl D., 53 Strathmore Rd., Brookline, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
May 16, 1917. 

Pvt. Shreve, Glq(n J., Doylestown, Ohio, Enl. U. S. N. A. Sept. 20, 1917, 
Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. Smith, Edwin R., HoUis Centre, Me., Enl. U. S. Army, Sept. 17, 1917. 

Pvt. Smith, Revere R., Hollis Centre, Me., Enl. U. S. Army, Sept. 17, 1917. 

Pvt. Smith, William C, 8003 Linwood Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, Enl. U. S. 
N. A. Sept. 9, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Mar. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. Stacey, Owen G., R. F. D. 2, Box 30, Keezar Falls, Me., Enl. Maine 
N. G. July 7, 1917. 

Pvt. Stadler, William J., 4025 Annunciation St., New Orleans, La., Enl. 
U. S. N. A. Sept. 18, 1918, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. St. Cyr, Eugene, 120 Fairmont St., Fitchburg, Mass., Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 18, 1917, Trans, fr. Camp Devens, Sept. 22, 1917. 

Pvt. Studdiford, Ellis G., 36 Forest St., Roxbury, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 5, 1917. 

Pvt. Taccagni, Joseph, 200 First St., Eureka, Cal., Enl. U. S. N. A. Sept. 22, 
1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Tomblin, Omar A., R. F. D. i, Burnsville, W.Va., Enl. Va. N. G. July 
30, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 29, 1918. 

Pvt. Torrey, Ernest G., 187 Spark St., Montello, Mass., Enl. Mass. N. G. 
July 9, 1917. 

Pvt. Tracy, Alfred L., Red Bluff, Cal., Enl. Cal. N. G. July 11, 1917, Trans, fr. 
repl. Aug. 18, 1918. 

Pvt. TurnbuU, Robert, 2204 Oxford St., Philadelphia, Pa., Enl. Pa. N. G. 
Sept. 22, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 26, 1918. 

Pvt. Verdesca, Cosimo, 512 Twelfth St., New York City, N. Y., Enl. U. S. 
N. A. Sept. 23, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Apr. 28, 1918. 

Pvt. Wesselne, Frank, 358 South Boyle Ave., Los Angeles, Cal., Enl. V. S. 
N. A. Oct. 2, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Wilson, Harry S., 1887 East 29th St., Lorraine, Ohio, Enl. U. S. N. A. 
Sept. 22, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Aug. 18, 1918. 

Pvt. Wold, Edwin L., 917 Fifth St., Brookings, S.D., Enl. U. S. N. A. Dec. 
15, 1917, Trans, fr. repl. Mar. 20, 1918. 



[148] 



HISTORICAL DATA CONCERNING THE 26TH DIVISION, A. E. F., 
ISSUED FROM DIVISION HEADQUARTERS 

Organized August 22, 1918, in Boston, Mass., from units of National Guard 
troops of New England States and a quota of National Army troops from Camp 
Devens, Mass. 

General Officers commanding the Division in France: — 

Division Commanders, — Maj.-Gen. Clarence R. Edwards. 

(Until October 25, 1918.) 

Brig.-Gen. Frank K. Bamford. 

Maj.-Gen. Harry C. Hale. 
51st Inf. Brigade, — Brig.-Gen. Peter E. Traub. 

Brig.-Gen. George H. Shelton. 

Brig.-Gen. L. L. Durfee. 
S2d Inf. Brigade,— Brig.-Gen. Charles H. Cole. 

Brig.-Gen. George H. Shelton. 

Brig.-Gen. William L. Lassiter. 
51 St Field Art'y Brig.-Gen. Dvvight F. Aultman. 

Brigade Brig.-Gen. Pelham D. Glassford. 

Brig.-Gen. John H. Sherburne. 

First troops sailed from Hoboken, N.J., on September 7, 1917, and landed at 
Saint-Nazaire, France, on September 21, 1917. 

The Division remained in Training Area with Headquarters at Neufchateau 
for about four months, during which time details of troops were engaged in con- 
structing hospitals, building telephone lines, acting as labor detachments, assist- 
ing in organizing sections of the Service of Supplies, and otherwise making prep- 
arations for the Army which began to arrive after January i, 1918. 

Successive periods in line on Western Front: — • 

Date of Entry Place Sector Date IVitlidrawn 

Feb. 6, 1918 North of Soissons "Chemin des Dames" Mar. 21, 1918 

Apr. 3, 1918 (Brigaded with French) "La Reine" and "Boucq" June 28, 1918 

July 3, 1918 North of Toul "Pas Fini" July 25, 1918 ^ 

Sept. 8, 1918 Chateau-Thierry "Rupt" and "Troyon" Oct. 8, 1918 

Oct. 18, 1918 St. Mihiel Salient "Neptune" Nov. 14, 1918 
North of Verdun 

Aggregate times in the lines — seven months, or two hundred and ten days. 

Notes: "Date of Entry" and "Date Withdrawn" as used above are the dates 
on which the command passed to or from the 26th Division. This table does not 
show in reality the exact time which all units of this Division served in the lines. 
There are several instances where regiments and brigades entered the lines several 

[149] 



days in advance of the passing of command to the Division. Also during the nine 
months' service from February 6, 1918, the Division spent only ten days in a rest 
area, the remainder of the time being consumed in moving from one sector to 
another, or in support positions awaiting entry into line. 

Prisoners captured by 26th: — 

Officers, 61; other ranks, 3,087; total, 3,148. 



Among German material captured were the following: — 

31 pieces field artillery. 

23 pieces French artillery. 

163 light and heavy machine-guns. 

830 rifles. 



Casualties of the 26th in battle: — • 

Officers 

Killed 78 

Wounded severely 100 

Wounded slightly 1 1 1 

Gassed 1 13 

Missing 10 

Prisoners 9 

Totals 421 



Men 


Total 


1652 


1730 


3524 


3624 


2708 


2819 


3250 


3363 


273 


283 


127 


136 



11,534 



11,955 



Enemy territory taken in battle: — 

Offensive Date Depth 

Aisne Marne July 18-25, 1918 17.5 kilometres 

St. Mihiel September 12-13, 191*^ H-O kilometres 

Meuse-Argonne October i8-November 11, 1918 5.5 kilometres 

Total depth of advance 37.0 kilometres 



Other interesting data of the 26th: — 

The first American unit organized as a division in the United States and trans- 
ported complete to France. 

While in the sector north of Toul, the 26th Division engaged in the first two 
battles in which Americans fought without the support of the French Infantry. 

The 104th Infantry (formerly 2d, 6th, and 8th Massachusetts Infantry) 
after the battle at Apremont, was cited in G. O. No. 737-A, Headquarters 32d, 

[150] 



Army Corps (French), April 26, 1918, and its colors decorated with the Croix de 
Guerre. The 104th Infantry is the only regiment in the United States Army to 
have its colors decorated by a foreign government. 

British G. H. Q. on October 20, 191 8, made public the following extract from 
a confidential document captured from the Nineteenth German Army; "The 
twenty-sixth American Division is a fighting division which has proven its qualities 
in battles on various parts of the front." 

The 26th is officially known as the "Yankee Division." Distinctive insignia 
worn on left sleeve of uniform by authority of G. 0. No. 33 Headquarters ist 
Army, American E. F.: "Monogram YD in dark blue on diamond-shaped field 
of olive drab." 



The Division has been cited in American and French orders and commended 
in letters and service memorandum as follows: — 

Cited G. O. No. 7 Headquarters nth Army Corps (French), March 15, 1918. 

Cited (104th Infantry) in G. O. No. 737-A Headquarters 32d Army Corps 
(French), April 26, 1918. 

Commended in Service Memo. Headquarters J'llth Army (French), June 17, 
1918. 

Commended (loist Infantry) in Service Memo. Headquarters I'llth Army 
(French), June 3, 1918. 

Congratulated in Memo. Headquarters 32d Army Corps (French), June 18, 
1918. 

Cited in G. 0. No. 131 Headquarters 32d Army Corps (French), June 18, 
1918. 

Commended (103d Infantry) in letter from G. H. Q., A. E. F., June 20, 1918. 

Cited in G. O. No. 131 Headquarters 32d Army Corps (French), June 27, 
1918. 

Congratulated in letter Headquarters F/th Army (French), July 29, 1918. 

Cited in G. O. F/th Army (French), August 9, 1918. 

Cited in G. O., G. H. Q., A. E. F., August 28, 1918. 

Cited (i02d Infantry) in G. O. No. 19 Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
A. E. F., September 18, 1918. 

Commended in letter from Headquarters 2d Colonial Corps (French), October 

3, 1918. 

Commended in letter from Headquarters 17th Army Corps (French), October 
24, 1918. 

Commended (104th Infantry) in letter from Headquarters i8th Division 
(French), November 17, 1918. 

Commended in letter from Headquarters 2d Colonial Corps (French), Novem- 
ber 14, 1918. 

Cited in G. O. No. 232, G. H. Q., A. E. F., December 19, 1918. 

Cited in G. 0. No. 238, G. H. Q., A. E. F., December 26, 1918. 



[ 151 ] 



The loist Engineers have spent the following successive periods in action: — 

Chemin des Dames, 2/10/18 to 3/21/18. 

Toul Sector, 4/1/18 to 6/26/18. 

Toul Sector (Xivray defensive), 6/16/18. 

Pas Fini Sector, 7/7/18 to 7/18/18. . 

Champagne-Marne Defensive, 7/15/18 to 7/18/18. 

Aisne-Marne Offensive, 7/18/18 to 8/6/18. 

Rupt Sector, 9/2/18 to 9/ 12/ 18. 

Saint-Mihiel Offensive, 9/12/18 to 9/16/18. 

Troyon Sector, 9/14/18 to 10/10/18. 

Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 10/26/18 to 11/11/18. 




MEDAL PRESENTED TO EACH ENGINEER 
BY I. C. C. VETERAN ASSN. 



[152] 




PRIVATE ICLCHAUnCEY D.BRYAnT 

PRIVATE RALPH L. LASSER 

PRIVATE FRED WAT50M 

CORPORAL CECIL W FOGG 

PRIVATE I CL ALFRED GOODEARL 

PRIVATE yLLIAM W.DYER 

PRIVATE CECIL COLE 



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